

One Decision
Situation Room Studios
Tough decisions rattle us all to the core. But for our guests on One Decision— the choices they are up against can also shape history. No pressure! They take us through all of their doubts, emotions and—sometimes unexpected--consequences.A fresh take on foreign policy.Hear the former head of Mi6, Sir Richard Dearlove alongside international journalists as they analyse, interview, and discuss.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 2, 2022 • 41min
The Online Battlefield: Russia's Hybrid War on Ukraine
Ukraine's under an unprecedented assault, on the ground, but also online. We spoke to the man in charge of protecting Ukraine's digital infrastructure, Victor Zhora, about how the country continues to fight Russian troops on the battlefield, and Russian hackers in cyberspace. Guest host Helena Humphrey speaks with Sir Richard Dearlove, who himself revealed on One Decision that he has been the subject of a personal targeted cyber-attack by the Russians, and his analysis on where Russian cyber warriors may next take aim.

May 26, 2022 • 42min
The Former Supreme Commander of NATO on Putin's Next Move
Admiral James Stavridis faced formidable threats from Russia while commanding NATO's forces in Europe. The former Supreme Allied Commander shares his insight into the critical decision facing the alliance's leaders as they prepare to meet in Madrid. He looks at how Putin is likely to respond to their latest moves and co-host Sir Richard Dearlove, who led the British intelligence service MI6 makes a major revelation about how Moscow has recently personally targeted him and other former national security leaders.

May 19, 2022 • 43min
The Great Escape - Businesses Leaving Russia
Sanctions have made it increasingly hard for Western firms to do business in Putin's Russia. But the Kremlin has warned companies from so-called “unfriendly states” may see their assets expropriated and nationalized, if they chose to cease operations. McDonalds, Shell, Mercedes, Koch Industries are among those grappling with their Russian operations. The former head of MI6 Sir Richard Dearlove weighs in on why this may leave the former KGB officer in an even tougher spot economically and uncharacteristically shares how long he thinks the Russian leader can hang on to power.

May 12, 2022 • 39min
Grit & Guts: CNN's Clarissa Ward Reporting From the Frontlines in Ukraine
CNN Chief International Correspondent Clarissa Ward speaks to One Decision after getting back from deployment in Ukraine, witnessing first hand how civilians have taken up arms and risen to the threat of Russian invasion with remarkable unity and grit. Putin's invasion so far is not going to plan - so where does she think he will be headed next? With analysis from co-host Sir Richard Dearlove

May 5, 2022 • 40min
Spy Roundtable: How Declassified Intelligence Disrupted Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
The UK and US governments have declassified unprecedented intelligence on Moscow’s bloody campaign in Ukraine. Lifting the veil on Putin’s strategy and how it is playing out is having an impact on events on the ground - and has taken the Kremlin by surprise. Two perspectives from two veterans of Western intelligence. John Sipher served three decades in the CIA’s Clandestine Service, and during his career he was posted on the ground in Moscow, before eventually running the Agency’s Russia operations. He also served as Chief of several stations abroad. And our regular co-host Sir Richard Dearlove was the former Chief of MI6, Britain’s Secret Intelligence Service.

Apr 28, 2022 • 50min
Lithuania and the two Goliaths
Lithuanian MP Matas Maldeikis speaks to One Decision about how the small Baltic country has triggered fury in Beijing with the decision to open a de facto embassy to Taiwan. Plus he gives us the view from Vilnius as the war next door between Ukraine and Russia rages on.

Apr 21, 2022 • 47min
Does Oil Still Rule The World?
World-renowned author and expert Daniel Yergin joins Sir Richard Dearlove and Julia Macfarlane to discuss who holds the most cards when it comes to energy security and hard power. In the 70s, the west controlled the biggest stocks of fuel - now the majority comes from developing nations. As the Russia-Ukraine crisis exacerbates an already painful fuel crisis in Europe, One Decision examines how the big players use their resources as weapons of influence.

Apr 14, 2022 • 44min
Serbia's Big Choice - Russian Ally or EU Partner?
As Serbia receives a fresh delivery of Chinese weapons, One Decision explores Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic's recent reelection, his cozy relationship with Russia, and the tight-rope he's been walking on the path to EU accession. His decisions on which way Serbia turns could affect the stability of the region. Guest host Milena Veselinovic sits down with former US Ambassador to Serbia Cameron Munter and our resident analyst Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6 weighs in on the geopolitical importance of the former Yugoslav Republic at this critical time.

Apr 13, 2022 • 42min
How France’s Elections Could Upend Europe’s Fragile Alliance
Sir Richard Dearlove who predicted Brexit and Trump has a feeling in his stomach far right candidate Marine Le Pen will beat current President Emmanuel Macron. Together with guest co-host Suzanne Lynch, co-author of Politico Brussels Playbook, they speak with Journalist and former spokesperson to Macron Laura Haim about what that might do for the future of France - and for Europe.

Apr 7, 2022 • 44min
She led Ireland. He led MI6. They lead our look at the climate crisis.
The Elders' Mary Robinson was the first female President of Ireland. She has spent decades fighting climate change. One Decision's Julia Macfarlane gets her take on China, Biden, & whether a world weary from COVID can rally the strength to make the sacrifices necessary to reduce carbon emissions. Plus the former head of the British spy agency Sir Richard Dearlove on the serious security and stability implications we are likely to see emerge from environmental issues in the coming years.