

On Geopolitics
Centre for Geopolitics
On Geopolitics enters a new chapter with the introduction of two new hosts: Professors William Hurst and John Nilsson-Wright. John will host “Currents”, engaging guests from diverse sectors including government, academia, media, science, and business, to explore topical global issues and events. Meanwhile Bill will host “Explorations”, which will present a series of in-depth discussions and analyses of big ideas and enduring themes - the first of these being on “War".
Our original hosts, Suzanne Raine and Professor Ali Ansari will make periodic guest reappearances in the future, maintaining what has been the mission of the podcast, to inform our understanding and analysis of contemporary geopolitical issues with lessons and perspectives from history.
Our original hosts, Suzanne Raine and Professor Ali Ansari will make periodic guest reappearances in the future, maintaining what has been the mission of the podcast, to inform our understanding and analysis of contemporary geopolitical issues with lessons and perspectives from history.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 23, 2025 • 41min
Currents - Episode 1: Japan’s foreign policy challenges in the new Trump era
John Nilsson-Wright and Suzanne Raine talk to Nobukatsu Kanehara, former assistant chief cabinet secretary to late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (from 2012-2019) and one of Japan’s leading strategic thinkers. The conversation covers Japan’s diplomatic options in handling security and economic relations with the United States, regional security in the Middle East, the domestic political circumstances faced by the Liberal Democratic Government of Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Japan’s regional diplomacy in dealing with China and North Korea, nuclear deterrence, alliance policy, and also relations with the new government of President Lee Jae-myung in the Republic of Korea.This podcast is part of a larger Centre for Geopolitics project, Alliances in Alignment, supported by the Korea Foundation, examining the future of trilateral cooperation between the US, South Korea and Japan.

Jul 9, 2025 • 44min
Episode 54: What just happened?
What just happened? To look back at a momentous month Suzanne Raine and Ali Ansari are joined by Bill Hurst and John Nilsson-Wright. Ali offers his views on Iran, Bill on China, John on Japan and North and South Korea, and Suzanne asks the questions. This will be, for now, the last OnGeopolitics hosted by Suzanne and Ali, as they hand over to John and Bill at the University of Cambridge’s Centre for Geopolitics.

Mar 7, 2025 • 44min
Episode 53: Trump, US Policy & Asia
Suzanne Raine and John Nilsson-Wright talk with Professor John Delury, Sinologist, Korea expert and currently a visiting professor in Rome, about the current state of policy under Donald Trump towards the United States' key allies in Northeast Asia, the Republic of Korea and Japan. How resilient and reliable is cooperation between leaders in Washington, Tokyo and Seoul in confronting geopolitical risks in Asia, particularly the challenge of a closer partnership between North Korea, Russia and China.”This podcast is part of a larger Centre for Geopolitics project, Alliances in Alignment, which is supported by the Korea Foundation and examines the future of trilateral cooperation between the US, South Korea and Japan.

Jan 16, 2025 • 40min
Episode 52: Martial law & repercussions in South Korea
Ali and Suzanne are joined by John Nilsson-Wright, who was in Seoul in early December when President Yoon Suk-yeol moved to declare martial law, to discuss the recent tumultuous events in South Korea and the implications for the Korean peninsula and the wider region.

Dec 19, 2024 • 40min
Episode 51: Revolution in Syria
Ali and Suzanne take stock of the dramatic events in Syria and the implications of the collapse of the Assad regime for Iran, looking at themes common across many revolutions and possible areas to watch.

Nov 27, 2024 • 45min
Episode 50: Trump, China and Iran
Ali and Suzanne are joined by Professor Bill Hurst to look at the implications of Trump's election win on US policy positions towards China and Iran. How might China navigate what America does next?Why are some in Iran secretly pleased Trump has won? And will the next US President have the expertise on China and Iran he needs?

Oct 21, 2024 • 40min
Episode 49: War in the Middle East
Ali and Suzanne take stock on the contest between Iran and Israel, especially considering the impact in Iran of recent setbacks. What might be the consequences domestically and in terms of the conflict?

Jun 19, 2024 • 43min
Episode 48: North Korea's TikTok sensation
Suzanne Raine is joined by Dr John Nilssen-Wright and Alexandra Leonzini to learn more about the story behind a recent North Korean viral TikTok hit. Alexandra and John explore the role of music in the creation and strengthening of North Korean identity, explaining on the way how the society functions, the change in attitude since the meeting of Kim Jong Un and President Trump, and signs to watch for in the future.

Jun 5, 2024 • 43min
Episode 47: Death of a President
Iran experts Ali Ansari and Suzanne Raine discuss the aftermath of the President's death in Iran. They analyze upcoming elections, funeral rituals, and political dynamics. The podcast explores potential candidates, election processes, and power dynamics within Iranian politics.

May 15, 2024 • 40min
Episode 46: Iran - Reflecting on recent events
Suzanne and Ali look back over the events of April -May 2024, including the first direct military exchange between Israel and Iran, and ask where this leaves us. How are we to judge the failure of the Iranian firing of missiles and projectiles towards Israel? What does this mean for the state of Iran itself, and for its reputation and control of its proxies? Where might Iran go from here?