The Wargame

Tensions escalate as a fictional Russian ultimatum tests UK leadership's resolve between diplomacy and defense. Experts explore the fallout of a 50% gas supply cut and its impact on households. Military strategies, including F-35 deployment, face scrutiny amid nuclear deterrence debates. A secretive Russian group is dubbed 'deep sea special forces,' sparking discussions on communication tactics. Participants reflect on crisis simulations, grappling with the weight of their decisions in an increasingly volatile landscape.

In this gripping discussion, Rob Johnson, an Oxford academic orchestrating a war game scenario, and Sir Ben Wallace, the Prime Minister in this simulated conflict, delve into a chaotic future. They simulate a Russian missile strike, examining the UK's urgent military responses. The conversation highlights the intense pressures on UK leaders, as they weigh their options against the looming threat of nuclear escalation. With the stakes higher than ever, they reflect on the strategic responses needed to protect civilians and maintain international alliances.

Ben Wallace, former UK Defence Secretary and the Prime Minister in a strategic war game simulation, shares insights on the UK's current defense preparedness. He critiques the nation's lack of a comprehensive plan against modern threats, particularly from Russia. The discussion covers military strategies against submarine threats, emphasizing the balance of military engagement versus economic stability. Wallace highlights the crucial role of NATO and the importance of intelligence sharing in today's geopolitical landscape, reflecting on the urgency for strategic responses amidst rising tensions.

The podcast dives into the alarming scenario of a Russian attack on the UK, featuring expert insights on military strategies and national security. Participants engage in a tense crisis simulation, revealing critical vulnerabilities in Britain's defense. It discusses the complexities of NATO's collective defense and Britain's precarious position amidst rising tensions with Russia. The chaos of a missile attack is vividly portrayed, prompting urgent military deliberations. The narrative captures the high-stakes conversations shaping global diplomacy and military readiness.

Ben Wallace, former Secretary of State for Defence and UK Prime Minister in the war game, alongside General Richard Barons, who led Joint Forces Command, dive into escalating tensions with Russia. They simulate a crisis where power outages and sabotage spark a military standoff. The discussion reveals vulnerabilities in the UK's defense and highlights the historical tactics behind Russian false flag operations. With military readiness at stake, they stress the importance of strategic responses and communication between the UK and its allies.

A bunker. A scenario. A group of former senior ministers, military chiefs and other experts. Russia knows our weaknesses – but do you?   Sky News' security and defence editor Deborah Haynes presents The Wargame – a major new five-part series from Sky News and Tortoise, set in the near future. Launching 10th June.

In this final episode, we have the first ever interview with serving MI5 officers who work in counter intelligence.Tom and Kate talk about the challenge of grey zone threats from Russia and reveal their shock at the Salisbury spy poisonings.They also reveal that the Security Service has bolstered protection for people in the UK deemed at risk from Russia and is doing “everything we can” to prevent another Salisbury-style attack, but there are no “absolute guarantees” – in the grey zone.Guests:Tom, senior MI5 intelligence officer working on RussiaKate, MI5 intelligence officer investigating the activities of Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRULord Mark Sedwill, former UK national security adviserDominic Grieve, former senior Conservative MP, former chair of Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee, former attorney generalCredits:Written and narrated by Deborah Haynes Edited and produced by Chris ScottProduction support from Sophia McBide and Michael GreenfieldThe Head of Sky News Radio is Dave Terris

What happens when the grey zone becomes a war zone and what might future wars look like, with hypersonic missiles, artificial intelligence and cyber changing calculations?These are questions Sky News journalist Deborah Haynes explores in this episode, in part, by looking at Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the conflict in eastern Ukraine.She also talks to General Sir Nick Carter, the head of Britain’s armed forces, about what he thinks is the gravest threat to the UK and about how the military is adapting to operate in the grey zone.Guests:General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the Defence StaffGeneral Sir Richard Barrons, former head of Joint Command, now Strategic CommandEmine Dzhaparova , First Deputy Foreign Minister of UkraineSergei Markov, political scientist and former member of the Russian parliamentKeir Giles, senior consulting fellow at Chatham HouseOrysia Lutsevych, head and research fellow, Ukraine Forum, Russia and Eurasia Programme, Chatham HouseCredits:Written and narrated by Deborah Haynes Edited and produced by Chris ScottProduction support from Sophia McBide and Michael GreenfieldThe Head of Sky News Radio is Dave Terris

This episode explores a global battle of values between China and leading democracies over issues like Hong Kong, Taiwan and Xinjiang.It’s being fought with an array of covert weapons, from cyber attacks and information operations to economic coercion and even something called “lawfare”.Allegations of such behaviour are made and denied by both sides, which of course is to be expected - in the grey zone.Guests:Tom Tugendhat, Conservative MP, chair of the Foreign Affairs CommitteeMatthew Turpin, visiting fellow, Hoover InstitutionCharlie Parton, former British diplomat, senior fellow at the Royal United Services InstituteDr Shi Yinhong, Director of the Academic Committee of the School of International Studies and US Research Center of Renmin University in BeijingNathan Law, pro-democracy activist from Hong KongJulie Marionneau, research fellow, Policy ExchangeFreddy Lim, Taiwanese politician, lead singer of heavy-metal band ChthonicAlexander Downer, former Australian foreign ministerPuma Shen, assistant professor at National Taipei UniversityChinese embassy in London – via email statementCredits:Written and narrated by Deborah Haynes Edited and produced by Chris ScottProduction support from Michael GreenfieldThe head of Sky News Radio is Dave Terris

On 3 January 2020, the United States killed Iran’s top spy master, Major General Qasem Soleimani, in a drone strike in Iraq.There was nothing grey or ambiguous about the assassination, but this episode explores the escalating grey zone hostilities between Iran and the United States in the preceding years and how they almost ignited a real war.Sky News journalist Deborah Haynes explores in particular how Iran allegedly uses proxy forces in the grey zone, under the threshold of war, to try to level the playing field when competing with a super power.Interviews:General David Petraeus, former director of the Central Intelligence AgencyJohn Raine, Senior Adviser for Geopolitical Due Diligence, International Institute for Strategic StudiesAnne-Marie Trevelyan, Conservative MP and former UK defence minister. She now serves as energy ministerFabian Picardo, Chief Minister of GibraltarAnonymous Iraqi MPSeyed Mohammad Marandi, Professor of English Literature and Orientalism, University of TehranMajor General Amos Yadlin, a former chief of Israel’s Military Intelligence DirectorateCredits:Written and narrated by Deborah Haynes Edited and produced by Chris ScottProduction support from Michael GreenfieldThe head of Sky News Radio is Dave Terris