Global Security Briefing

As Europe races to rearm, can it do so fast enough to deter looming threats? We explore this question with Shashank Joshi and Dr. Daniel Fiott. In this episode of Global Security Briefing, host Neil Melvin is joined by Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor at The Economist, and Dr. Daniel Fiott, Head of the Defence and Statecraft Programme at the Centre for Security, Diplomacy and Strategy of the Vrije Universiteit in Brussels, to explore whether Europe's defence renaissance can deliver on its promises. As Russia's war in Ukraine grinds on and questions grow around America's long-term role in European security, EU states are ramping up defence spending and launching new initiatives, including Readiness 2030 and efforts to create a single market for defence. Can these efforts overcome long-standing industrial fragmentation, political hurdles, and capability gaps in time? And what role will the UK and Ukraine play in this transformation? Can Europe rearm fast enough to secure its future? And what if it can't?

In this insightful discussion, Sze-Fung Lee, a specialist in Chinese hybrid warfare, Philip Shetler-Jones, an expert in Indo-Pacific security, and Jyun-yi Lee, a researcher on non-traditional security, dive into Taiwan's fight against China's grey zone tactics. They explore how Taiwan balances sovereignty without triggering full-scale conflict, examine China's creative coercion strategies, and highlight Taiwan's adaptive responses. The conversation also sheds light on the regional cooperation tactics with neighbors and how lessons from Ukraine may apply.

In a captivating discussion, Dr. Liana Fix, a Fellow for Europe at the Council on Foreign Relations and an expert on European foreign security policy, delves into the shifting dynamics of transatlantic relations during President Trump's second term. She highlights challenges like the evolving role of NATO, Europe's quest for strategic autonomy, and Germany's transition from pacifism to security leadership. The impact of nationalism and the war in Ukraine on these alliances are also thoroughly examined, revealing critical questions about Europe's defense capabilities.

How is the global security landscape evolving, and what role can think tanks play in shaping the debate? In this episode of Global Security Briefing, host Neil Melvin sits down with Rachel Ellehuus, RUSI's new Director-General, to explore the major security and defence challenges facing Europe, the transatlantic alliance and the wider international order, drawing on her extensive experience in NATO, the US Department of Defense, and the UK Ministry of Defence. They also discuss RUSI's role as the world's oldest security and defence think tank, its strategic direction ahead of its bicentenary, and how it can contribute to navigating an increasingly complex global environment. What are the biggest challenges for think tanks today, and how can institutions like RUSI help shape the future of security policy?

Is Japan’s evolving national security profile altering its role in global security? Prof. Chris Hughes & Hirohito Ogi discuss this strategic shift.                                                                                                Japan is undergoing a major transformation in its defence policy, expanding its industrial base and forging new international partnerships. What are the strategic drivers behind this shift, and how will these impact regional and global security? In this episode of Global Security Briefing, host Neil Melvin is joined by RUSI Senior Associate Fellow Prof. Chris Hughes and Hirohito Ogi, Senior Associate Fellow at the Asia Pacific Initiative, to analyse Japan’s evolving defence posture. They discuss  policy changes to enable arms exports, the significance of initiatives like the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), and Japan’s role in strengthening defence cooperation with the UK and other allies. What challenges remain, and how far can Japan go in reshaping its position as a global security actor?

Burcu Ozcelik, a Senior Research Fellow specializing in Middle East Security, and Michael Stephens, a Senior Associate Fellow at RUSI, discuss the shifting alliances and emerging power struggles reshaping the Middle East. They delve into the implications of the recent Gaza conflict, questioning Western influence and the potential for a unified Arab response. The conversation highlights changing global dynamics, the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the evolving roles of major powers like the U.S., Iran, and China.

As 2025 gathers pace, we reflect on security challenges from the previous year and look at what to expect in the coming months. What was foreseen and what was unexpected in last year’s global security developments? And how have security events altered the trajectory of various regions? In the second episode of this two-part special, host Neil Melvin is joined by colleagues in RUSI’s International Security team, Philip Shetler-Jones and Carlos Solar, to examine the year that has passed and to look at what’s coming next in the Indo-Pacific and Latin America.

At the start of 2025, we reflect on security challenges from the previous year and look at what to expect in the coming months. The past year registered many landmark events in global security. But what was foreseen, and what was unexpected? And how have security events altered the trajectory of various regions? In the first episode of this two-part special, host Neil Melvin is joined by colleagues from RUSI’s International Security team Ed Arnold, Burcu Ozcelik and Callum Fraser to examine the year that has passed and to look at what’s coming next in Europe, Eurasia and the Middle East.

Following the fall of the Assad regime, what comes next for Syria and the future of the region? The Middle East is experiencing significant challenges and transitions as 2024 draws to a close. The war between Israel and Hamas continues to dominate regional dynamics, with Gaza suffering a severe humanitarian crisis. Efforts towards a ceasefire are ongoing, but questions about Gaza's reconstruction and long-term governance remain unresolved. Additionally, in a sudden and dramatic turn of events, all eyes are now on Syria, where a lightning rebel offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (or HTS) brought about the rapid fall of the brutal Assad dictatorship that has ruled Syria for over five decades. The fall of the Assad regime marks a significant turning point for the region and raises many critical questions and challenges for the country's future. Host Neil Melvin is joined by Burcu Ozcelik, RUSI Senior Research Fellow, and Michael Stephens, RUSI Senior Associate Fellow, to ask: what would a future Syrian state look like? Are we any closer to a ceasefire deal in Gaza that could also see Israeli hostages being released? And how can we expect Iran to respond to the fall of its closest ally in the Middle East?

Mark Galeotti, a leading expert on Russia, and Andriy Zagorodnyuk, the former Ukrainian Minister of Defence, dive into the potential end of the Ukraine conflict amidst shifting U.S. dynamics. They discuss Trump's controversial claim of resolving the war swiftly and Ukraine's strategic concerns surrounding a potential ceasefire. The conversation highlights the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, the need for robust Western support, and the risks that a pause in fighting could pose. Additionally, they explore forming a global coalition to reinforce Ukraine's position in the geopolitical landscape.