Oz Kat interviews Maria Avdeeva, a security expert and Research Director at the European Expert Association, about Ukraine's bold Kursk offensive. They delve into the surprising territorial gains and the shift from a defensive stance to an aggressive strategy. The discussion reveals the implications for both Ukrainian and Russian forces and explores the importance of military maneuvers in the context of negotiations. Avdeeva highlights the evolving dynamics between Ukraine and its Western allies amidst the conflict.

Gavin Esler, a commentator and expert on geopolitical issues, delves into the intricacies of Russia's ability to navigate international sanctions with guests Maria Shagina and Ian Garner. They explore how Putin circumvents sanctions through strategic alliances, particularly with nations like China, Iran, and North Korea. The discussion reveals the impact of these dynamics on Europe's stability and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Furthermore, they examine the challenges in enforcing sanctions and the need for stronger regulatory frameworks to counter evasion tactics.

Gavin Esler chats with Samir Puri, a former UK diplomat and author of 'Westlessness,' and Dan Drezner, a Tufts University professor specializing in international politics. They dive into the fading dominance of the West, exploring how powers like China, India, and Brazil are reshaping global dynamics. The discussion covers the complexities of East-West relations, the rise of authoritarianism, and the implications for democracy. They also analyze the shifting trade dynamics between major players, including the growing role of emerging economies.

Guest Anne Applebaum discusses the emerging Dictators’ Cartel uniting autocrats worldwide, driven by wealth and power. They manipulate Western financial institutions for control, pose a threat to democracy. Strategies to combat authoritarian regimes and far-right movements are explored, highlighting the need for vigilance.

The US is currently suffering a crisis in democracy, and its effects are far-reaching. But how does it relate to the global rise in authoritarianism and conflict? In the wake of compounding concerns created by the recent Supreme Court immunity decision and increasing calls for Joe Biden to step down from the Presidential nomination due to his age, This Is Not A Drill assesses the stakes at play for global security. America is in turmoil after the assassination attempt against Donald Trump. But worrying developments – from a Supreme Court decision that conceivably puts the US President above the law, to the Democrats’ paralysis in the face of Biden’s declining powers – point to a deeper crisis. If America can’t function as a democracy, where does that leave the peace and stability of the world? Emma Beals speaks to former U.S. Director of Policy Planning Richard Haass and former Foreign Policy Advisor to Bernie Sanders Matt Duss to explore whether the greatest threat to American democracy is no longer Donald Trump, but comes from within the Democratic Party itself. Incogni keeps your private information safe, protects you from identity theft and keeps your data from being sold. There’s a special offer for This Is Not A Drill listeners – Go to Incogni.com/notadrill to get an exclusive 60% off your annual plan.Support us on Patreon to keep This Is Not A Drill producing thought-provoking podcasts like this.  Written and presented by Emma Beals. Produced by Robin Leeburn. Assistant produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters production. www.podmasters.co.uk  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Europe’s most powerful countries are in political crisis. Emmanuelle Macron’s big gamble to halt the progress of Marine le Pen’s Rassemblement National seems to have paid off – for now. But Germany’s far right Alternative für Deutschland continues to eat into the national vote and the country’s post-war consensus. What does the rise of extremists who are soft on Putin, or even pro-Russia, mean for the safety of Europe? Gavin Esler asks Economist Paris bureau chief Sophie Pedder about France’s close shave with extreme nationalism, and whether that escape is temporary. And director of eurointelligence.com and New Statesman columnist Wolfgang Munchau explains what’s driving Germany’s dance with the far right. Incogni keeps your private information safe, protects you from identity theft and keeps your data from being sold. There’s a special offer for This Is Not A Drill listeners – Go to Incogni.com/notadrill to get an exclusive 60% off your annual plan.Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A recent large-scale attack on an NHS provider by the Russian based criminal group Qilin has exposed lingering vulnerabilities in our digital infrastructure - but an ongoing Chinese state sponsored attack, known as Volt Typhoon, has been described by US officials as a game changer in the realm of cyber warfare.Emma Beals speaks to former founding chief executive of the UK National Cyber Security Centre Professor Ciaran Martin and senior fellow for global cyber policy at the Council on Foreign Relations Tarah Wheeler to find out how much is at stake on this digital battleground, and what we can do about it.Support This Is Not A Drill on Patreon to get early episodes, merchandise and more.Incogni keeps your private information safe, protects you from identity theft and keeps your data from being sold. There’s a special offer for This Is Not A Drill listeners – Go to Incogni.com/notadrill to get an exclusive 60% off your annual plan.Written and presented by Emma Beals. Produced by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Incidental music by Simon Williams. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters production.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How did the Ukrainian people face down an invasion of unprecedented savagery from Putin’s Russia? And how did the battle for Ukraine’s capital shape the war that followed? Illia Ponomarenko is the author of the new book I Will Show You How It Was: The Story of Wartime Kyiv and former defence correspondent at the Kyiv Independent. He talks to Oz Katerji about the experience of reporting under fire – and what it’s like for a people to defy subjugation.Buy I Will Show You How It Was: The Story of Wartime Kyiv through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund This Is Not A Drill by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.Support This Is Not A Drill on Patreon to get early episodes, merchandise and more.Go to Incogni.com/notadrill to get an exclusive 60% off your annual plan with Incogni Written and presented by Oz Katerji. Produced by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters productionpodmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The West’s era of supremacy is over. Britain’s next Prime Minister will face the most dangerous security environment since the Second World War – a new age of critical insecurity. From Ukraine to the Middle East to China/Taiwan and beyond, the threats are piling up: cyberattacks, nuclear intimidation, assassinations on our territory and more. How will the next Prime Minister handle them? And have Brexit and our political instability left us too weakened to withstand them?Gavin Esler find out from Dr Christine Cheng – national security lecturer at King’s College London and chair of the Lib Dems’ National Security Group – and the UK’s first-ever National Security Advisor Lord Peter Ricketts. Support This Is Not A Drill on Patreon to get early episodes, merchandise and more.Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Produced by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters productionpodmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boston College professor of American History, Heather Cox-Richardson, discusses Trump's impact on the Republican Party and American democracy. The conversation delves into historical divisions, government evolution, and the implications of Trump's presidency on the nation's narrative and future.