CONFLICTED

Emma Ashford, a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center and author focusing on U.S. foreign policy, shares her insights on the shifting global landscape. She discusses the decline of America's unipolar moment, likening it to imperial overreach and asserting it stems from both psychological factors and policy decisions. Emma outlines four competing camps in U.S. foreign policy and argues for a realist approach to navigate the challenges of a multipolar world. She emphasizes the need for strategic retrenchment, especially in the Middle East, to refocus on competition in Asia.

Aimen Dean, a former intelligence and counterterrorism operative, returns to discuss the recent Gaza peace deal. He reveals the behind-the-scenes diplomacy involving Saudi Arabia and France, aimed at preventing Israel's West Bank annexation. Aimen analyzes Israel's military actions and the implications of a controversial airstrike in Doha. The conversation covers nuclear concerns with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the future of Hamas, and the vital role of technocratic governance in Gaza's reconstruction. It's a deep dive into a ceasefire that may just be a temporary pause in ongoing tensions.

Tom Tugendhat, a former Minister of State for Security and Conservative MP, shares insights on UK counterterrorism and identity crises. He highlights the shift from organized terrorism to lone-actor violence, discussing its implications for society. Tugendhat defends the PREVENT strategy against accusations of Islamophobia, emphasizing its goal to protect all citizens. The conversation delves into addressing right-wing extremism and the need for a unifying national story to bridge divides in multicultural Britain.

This week on Conflicted, host Thomas Small is joined by Alex Vatanka, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and a leading scholar of Iranian domestic and foreign policy. Together, they explore the profound impact of the recent 12-Day War between Iran, Israel, and the United States on the Islamic Republic. As an Iranian who has studied the regime for decades, Alex offers a vital look into the power struggles between revolutionary ideology and Iranian nationalism that are now at play in Tehran. Thomas and Alex discuss the main events of the war, the strategic decisions made by all sides, and the unexpected conclusion that has left Iran in a precarious position. They delve into how the conflict's strategic and economic fallout - from widespread internet blackouts to the regime's military and technological limitations - has humiliated the ruling elite and exposed their vulnerability. The conversation also explores how the war has intensified internal debates, with pragmatic and moderate voices now pushing for political reform and a change in Iran's foreign policy. The episode offers a sobering, yet essential, look at a regime that must now confront its own failures and decide whether to change course or risk total collapse. You can find Alex on X @AlexVatanka To listen to the full episode, you’ll need to subscribe to the Conflicted Community. And don’t forget, subscribers can also join our Conflicted Community chatroom, where you can interact with fellow dearest listeners, discuss episodes past and future, get exclusive messages from Thomas and Aimen, ask future Q&A questions and so much more. All the information you need to sign up is on this link: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm/  Conflicted is proudly made by Message Heard, a full-stack podcast production agency which uses its extensive expertise to make its own shows such as Conflicted, shows for commissioners such as the BBC, Spotify and Al Jazeera, and powerfully effective podcasts for other companies too. If you’d like to find out how we can help get your organisation’s message heard, visit messageheard.com or drop an email to hello@messageheard.com! Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflictedLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this insightful discussion, expert Alexander Meliagru Hitchens delves into the evolution of the UK's counter-terrorism strategies and the strained relations between the British state and Muslim communities. Survivor Travis Frayne shares his gripping personal account of the 2017 Westminster Bridge attack, reflecting on the chaos and his journey towards advocacy for de-radicalization. They explore the failures and controversies of the Prevent programme, and how modern terror, fueled by ISIS narratives, has reshaped societal challenges in Britain.

Dive into the harrowing aftermath of the 7/7 bombings, exploring a chilling plot to attack airlines with liquid explosives. Discover how alienation and identity crises lure British youths towards extremism. Academic insights shed light on notorious preachers fostering radicalization and the British government's contentious Prevent strategy. The rise of far-right and Islamist groups intensifies social tensions, while provocative discussions on de-radicalization's effectiveness leave listeners questioning the future of community safety.

This week on Conflicted, host Thomas Small is joined by returning guest, Aaron Zelin - the Gloria and Ken Levy Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and founder of the acclaimed website Jihadology. Following up on their last conversation after the fall of the Assad regime, Aaron gives us an in-depth analysis of the current state of play in Syria as the new transitional government, led by Ahmad al-Shara, attempts to consolidate its power. Since the last time we spoke, Aaron has been on a trip to the new Syria, so he gives us a firsthand look at the complex realities on the ground. Thomas and Aaron discuss the narratives surrounding the new government, from claims of sectarian massacres to narratives of a burgeoning economic revival. Aaron explains how the violence in places like the coast and the Druze-majority city of Swaida reveals a country still wracked by internal tensions, where revenge, tribal dynamics, and foreign meddling from actors like Iran and Israel continue to complicate the path to stability. They also touch on the delicate dance between the new government and Syria's minorities, including the Kurds, and the implications of the ongoing sanctions waivers and international investment flowing into the country. You can find Aaron on X at @azelin and look for updates on his incredible website https://jihadology.net/  To listen to the full episode, you’ll need to subscribe to the Conflicted Community. And don’t forget, subscribers can also join our Conflicted Community chatroom, where you can interact with fellow dearest listeners, discuss episodes past and future, get exclusive messages from Thomas and Aimen, ask future Q&A questions and so much more. All the information you need to sign up is on this link: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm/  Conflicted is proudly made by Message Heard, a full-stack podcast production agency which uses its extensive expertise to make its own shows such as Conflicted, shows for commissioners such as the BBC, Spotify and Al Jazeera, and powerfully effective podcasts for other companies too. If you’d like to find out how we can help get your organisation’s message heard, visit messageheard.com or drop an email to hello@messageheard.com! Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflictedLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this gripping discussion, senior police officers and counterterrorism investigators dive into the chaotic aftermath of the 7/7 attacks. They unpack the urgent investigative questions that arose and the chilling implications of finding a familiar name. From scanning Al Qaeda chatrooms to tracing suspects via CCTV, the intricate details of the manhunt are laid bare. A second wave of panic strikes with copycat attacks, forcing authorities to confront the shocking realities of their failures and the ongoing threat of radicalization.

In this compelling discussion, Peter Clarke, former head of the Metropolitan Police's anti-terrorist branch, shares his insights on how counterterrorism strategies evolved post-9/11. Eamon Dean, a former jihadist turned intelligence agent, reveals chilling early warnings about al-Qaeda's ambitions. Sir David Omond explains the creation of CONTEST, the UK's new counterterror strategy, and the challenges of identifying threats from within. They delve into the radicalizing effects of events like the Rushdie affair and how identity crises among British Muslims have contributed to vulnerabilities.

On a fateful Thursday in July 2005, London faced unimaginable terror as four coordinated bombings shook the underground. Hear gripping first-hand accounts from survivors and emergency workers who fought to save lives amid chaos. Delve into the reflections of an ex-Al Qaeda spy, exploring how the attacks shifted the UK’s focus on domestic counter-terrorism. The podcast reveals the intricate balance of security responses and the lasting emotional impact on those affected, setting the stage for a deeper investigation into the roots of modern terrorism.