This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler
Podmasters
Exploring threats to global stability from Ukraine to China to the Middle East with host Gavin Esler – former BBC News presenter, Washington correspondent and host of Newsnight – plus Ukraine-based war reporter Oz Katerji and independent conflict analyst Emma Beals. This Is Not A Drill dives deep into the dangers, corruption, conflicts, disinformation, rivalries and ruthless realpolitik that are making our world ever more dangerous.Support This Is Not A Drill on Patreon from just £3 per month to get each episode early plus bonus material and exclusive merchandise. From Podmasters, the team behind Oh God, What Now?, Paper Cuts and The Bunker.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 6, 2025 • 36min
Europe's drone wall – Could it hold back Russia?
In this engaging discussion, Justin Bronk, a Senior Research Fellow for Airpower & Technology at RUSI, dives into the concept of a 'drone wall' to protect Europe’s Eastern borders. He explores its technical feasibility and the necessary mix of sensors and weapons. Justin also addresses challenges in intercepting cheap drones, comparing costs and technologies like the APKWS-2. The talk highlights the potential for proactive measures in Ukrainian airspace while weighing political repercussions and emphasizing the need for robust air-defense capabilities.
Oct 30, 2025 • 23min
Big Tech, A.I. and the dictators – Inside the future of authoritarianism
Bruce Schneier, a renowned cybersecurity expert, dives into the alarming intersection of big tech, AI, and authoritarianism. He reveals how dictators can exploit surveillance capitalism for control. Schneier critiques the superficiality of legal consent in data collection and warns about escalating U.S. government surveillance. He emphasizes the need for civic awareness against emerging techno-authoritarian risks and argues that political solutions are crucial in combating these challenges. AI's ability to process vast data poses new threats that demand immediate attention.
Oct 23, 2025 • 29min
The Populist Playbook – How does the right wing connect globally?
In this engaging discussion, Catherine Fieschi, a senior fellow at the Robert Schuman Centre, unpacks the rise of right-wing populism globally. She explores the populist playbook, which focuses on delegitimizing elites and simplifying complex issues. Fieschi analyzes the paradox of wealthy populists appealing to ordinary voters through relatable rhetoric, and discusses how authoritarianism can emerge once they gain power. The conversation also touches on the role of personality politics and effective resistance strategies seen in places like Poland and Denmark.
Oct 16, 2025 • 30min
China and Russia vs. You — Inside the new cyber war
In this engaging discussion, James Sullivan, Director of Cyber and Tech at RUSI, sheds light on the escalating cyber threats from countries like China and Russia. He emphasizes the alarming frequency of attacks on critical infrastructure such as healthcare and energy. Sullivan highlights the necessity for businesses to treat cybersecurity as a duty of care and warns against complacency. He also explores the potential for international cooperation on cybercrime, all while navigating the complexities introduced by AI in the cyber landscape.
Oct 8, 2025 • 25min
Gaza Peace Plan explained – Everything you need to know
In this engaging discussion, Gregg Carlstrom, a Middle East correspondent for The Economist, dives into the complexities of the US-led Gaza peace plan. He explores why this plan is garnering serious attention, highlighting its all-encompassing approach to hostage release. Gregg examines the challenges of disarming Hamas and the political dynamics within Israel, including the impact on Netanyahu's government. Despite regional skepticism, he finds cautious optimism in potential US engagement and the hope for humanitarian relief, while emphasizing three crucial unresolved questions.
Oct 2, 2025 • 39min
What happens if China wins over Russia and India?
Elizabeth Wishnick, a senior research scholar at Columbia University specializing in Chinese-Russian relations, and Tanvi Madan, a senior fellow at Brookings focusing on India-China-US dynamics, dive into the evolving power plays in global politics. They discuss China's expanding role in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and how its partnership with Russia might reshape the geopolitical landscape. Madan highlights India's strategies to stabilize ties with China post-border tensions, while both experts caution about the implications of US unpredictability on international alliances.
Sep 25, 2025 • 34min
Trump backs Ukraine – What does this mean for Zelenskyy and Putin?
Security analyst Jimmy Rushton, based in Kyiv, shares his insights on Trump's recent support for Ukraine's territorial claims. He discusses the potential implications of Trump's shift and the dynamics at the UN General Assembly. Rushton evaluates NATO's strategies, including the idea of shooting down Russian aircraft and the feasibility of coalition troop deployments. He also provides an assessment of the frontline conditions as winter approaches and highlights strategic flashpoints for Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Russia.
Sep 22, 2025 • 39min
Trump's economic warfare – Are there any winners?
In this discussion, Adam Posen, President of the Peterson Institute for International Economics and former Bank of England member, unpacks the ramifications of Trump's economic strategies. He explores how tariffs and inflation impact global security and the shifting dynamics as allies reconsider reliance on the U.S. dollar. Posen warns that a transactional foreign policy could weaken long-term partnerships and security benefits, raising concerns about the future of economic leadership. Tune in for an enlightening look at current global economic challenges!
Sep 18, 2025 • 34min
The Gen Z protests – Inside Nepal’s ‘Discord revolution’
Dinesh Kafle, a columnist at the Kathmandu Post and assistant professor, provides an insightful analysis of Nepal's recent 'Discord revolution.' He discusses how the protests ignited against a government social media ban, driven by Gen Z's frustration with corruption. Kafle details the escalation of violence that led to a government collapse and mass casualties. The intriguing selection of Sushila Karki as Prime Minister via online nomination highlights the power of youth-led movements. Kafle also reflects on the challenges and prospects for Nepal's political future.
Sep 13, 2025 • 38min
‘A cascade of dreaded events’: The conflicts reshaping the Middle East
Emile Hokayem, a Senior Fellow for Middle East Security, discusses the escalating crisis in the Middle East, particularly Israel's military actions against Hamas and the humanitarian impact on Gaza. He sheds light on Qatar's unexpected mediation role and the implications for Israel's relations with Gulf states. Hokayem explores shifting geopolitical tensions, emphasizing the complexities of U.S. partnerships in the region and the urgent need for collective strategies among Arab states to address ongoing conflicts and stabilize the volatile landscape.
