Originally published 24 March 2022.  Hosts Darya Dolzikova and Tobias Borck look at the UAE’s perspectives on Iran and its nuclear programme, as well as regional security. They are joined by Sheikha Najla Al-Qassimi (B’Huth), who explains how the UAE balances its deep security concerns about Iran’s behaviour in the region and its extensive trading relations with the Islamic Republic. She also touches on the UAE’s views of the US, Russia and China. In addition, Darya and Tobias discuss the latest developments in the region and the nuclear talks.

This episode examines the ongoing international negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme, the implications of a potential nuclear agreement for security in the Middle East and Iran’s regional policies, and the likely future Middle East role of the United States and European powers. Dr.Tobias Borck, Research Fellow for Middle East Security Studies, and Darya Dolzikova, Research Fellow in Proliferation and Nuclear Policy programme, discuss with Dr Neil Melvin, Director, International Security Studies at RUSI, the efforts to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) to regulate Tehran’s nuclear programme. The relationship between Iran’s nuclear activities and its regional security engagements is examined, together with a consideration of the possible future regional engagement by the United States and European states.

Originally published 16 March 2021. The repercussions of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine go far beyond Europe. Veerle is joined by Jimbo Ken, Professor in International Relations at Keio University. While Ukraine seems geographically remote as seen from Tokyo, the impact of the war can be felt in Japan’s relations with Russia and China. The war has heightened Japan’s concerns that China may attempt something similar through a forceful takeover of Taiwan. Japan has therefore joined the West in placing sanctions on Russia and sending non-lethal equipment to Ukraine – an unprecedented move for Tokyo. A more forward-leaning, assertive Japan is in the making.

Originally published 10 March 2022.  In this episode, hosts Darya Dolzikova and Tobias Borck discuss Qatar and Oman’s perspectives on Iran, its nuclear programme and regional security. Dr Andreas Krieg from King’s College London describes Qatar’s unique position in the region and explains how the country balances relations with Iran and its Arab neighbours. Turki al-Bulushi (Bloomberg) explains why neutrality is a core principle of Omani foreign policy, even in relations with its Gulf neighbours. Darya and Tobias also assess the latest developments in the region and the Iran nuclear talks.

This episode explores how Russia’s war on Ukraine is affecting security far beyond central Europe. Members of RUSI’s International Security Studies team examine the ways in which international relations are being reshaped by the conflict and consider what such developments will mean in key security regions around the world. Veerle Nouwens, Senior Research Fellow and lead of the Indo-Pacific programme, Dr Tobias Borck, Research Fellow for Middle East Security Studies, and Edward Arnold, Research Fellow for European Security Studies, discuss with Dr Neil Melvin, Director International Security Studies, the impact of Russia’s decision to launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, China and the Indo-Pacific.

Originally published 2 March 2022. Veerle is joined by Lisa Curtis, Senior Fellow and Director of the Indo-Pacific Security Programme at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS). The Biden administration’s new strategy highlights the importance of prosperity. However, the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework still lacks details, while the Ukraine conflict is testing allies and partners both in Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Once again, the ties between the two regions are evident and place the US Indo-Pacific Strategy in a renewed context.

Originally published 24 February 2022. Hosts Darya Dolzikova and Tobias Borck discuss Bahrain and Kuwait’s perspectives on the Iranian nuclear question and on broader regional security matters Hasan Alhasan, Research Fellow for Middle East Policy at IISS, explains why Bahrain feels threatened by Iran and is sceptical about a regional security dialogue, and Amnah Ibraheem, Visiting Scholar at the American University of Kuwait, outlines Kuwait’s unique position bordering both Saudi Arabia and Iran and its preference for multilateral diplomacy. Darya and Tobias also address the latest developments in the region.

This episode examines the future of international efforts to build stability, prevent conflict and meet security challenges in the most fragile and conflict-affected states and societies around the world following the perceived failure of Western-led stabilisation efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Simon Rynn, RUSI Senior Research Fellow for African security, Ahmed Hassen, RUSI Associate Fellow, and Ada James Emanuel, an independent researcher, discuss with Dr Neil Melvin, Director, RUSI International Security Studies, the set of ideas that underpin international stabilisation efforts, the experience of applying these concepts over the past two decades, lessons learnt, and the future challenges of promoting stabilisation as geopolitical competition becomes an increasingly important part of regional conflicts. The contemporary experiences of Somalia and northeast Nigeria are considered.

Originally published 10 February 2022. Hosts Darya Dolzikova and Tobias Borck discuss the Saudi Arabian strategic perspective with Mohammed Alyahya, former editor-in-chief of the Al-Arabiya English TV network. Mohammed outlines Saudi Arabia’s views on regional security, Iran and its nuclear programme, and explains why he is sceptical that a new nuclear deal can lead to improved relations between Iran and its Arab neighbours. Darya and Tobias also briefly discuss the latest developments in the nuclear negotiations and regional security.

This episode examines the crisis in relations between Russia and NATO, precipitated by Moscow’s large-scale build-up of military forces around Ukraine and its accompanying demands to remake the European security order. In this episode, Dr Sergei Utkin, Head of Strategic Assessments at the Institute of World Economy and International Relations of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Dr Mark Galeotti, RUSI Senior Associate Fellow, discuss with Dr Neil Melvin, Director RUSI International Security Studies, the nature of the crisis that has developed over Russia’s military threat to Ukraine. They assess Russia’s demands to reshape European security, the factors that have propelled the crisis, Moscow’s relations with NATO, and the future of the continent’s security order.