Political analyst Catherine Fieschi discusses the rise of far-right parties in Europe, their impact on EU stability, the defense of Ukraine, and the struggle to halt the populist wave. The podcast delves into the nuances of right-wing ideologies, the surge of anti-establishment parties in Western Europe, and the challenges they pose to traditional politics and democracy.

What’s it like to live next to the world’s worst neighbour: Vladimir Putin’s Russia? In 2024, pro-democracy Georgians are beaten for resisting their pro-Moscow government from enacting a Putinesque “foreign agents” law. Poland is rearming against the Russian threat, and the Baltic states of the former USSR are subjected to hybrid warfare from their former occupiers.Yet instead of terrorising Europe, is Putin’s aggression uniting it behind ideals of democracy and mutual support? Polish historian Karolina Wigura tells Gavin Esler how Russia’s belligerence is turning Poland towards the West. And Russian Studies expert and RUSI fellow Natia Seskuria explains Georgia’s unprecedented pro-EU protests.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

As Defence Secretary, former Scots Guard Ben Wallace was one of few well-respected ministers during the Johnson years. In office he faced the Afghanistan withdrawal and Russia’s war on Ukraine. As he prepares to leave Parliament, he tells Oz Katerji why Europe must re-arm to support Ukraine and deter Putin’s Russia; how Netanyahu has over-extended Israel in its war with Hamas; and why China is now the economic master of Russia. Support This Is Not A Drill on Patreon to get early episodes, merchandise and more.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

Larry Diamond, a 'Godfather of democracy studies,' discusses the battle between democracy and autocracy in the face of election-distorting technology. They explore the challenges of regulating AI, deepfakes, and disinformation in a critical year for democracy. Emma Beals and Katie Harbath join the conversation on the survival of democracy amid technological advancements.

Exploring China's global influence and Xi Jinping's motives, including Taiwan reunification. Discussing the complexities of US-China relations and the challenges faced by the Communist Party. Analyzing Xi's leadership style and goals for China's future. Assessing the impact of censorship and human rights violations in China. Delving into the strategic considerations for global powers regarding Taiwan and China's role on the world stage.

America’s war to liberate Kuwait from Saddam Hussein in 1991 was supposed to inaugurate a New World Order. President George HW Bush spoke of protecting ‘“peace, security, freedom and the rule of law… such is a world worthy of our children’s future.” But the failed wars in Afghanistan and Iraq in the 2000s, China’s resurgence and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have left the idea of a coherent, US-led world order in tatters.In a special panel episode, Gavin Esler is joined by co-hosts Emma Beals and Oz Katerji to talk about American foreign policy in an age of spiralling tensions in the Middle East, the continued threat from Russia, and the wildcard risk of a potential return to the White House of Donald Trump. Support This Is Not A Drill on Patreon to get early episodes, merchandise and more.Written and presented by Gavin Esler, with Emma Beals and 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 production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The podcast discusses the wave of coups in Central Africa, the rise of military strongmen, and the exploitation of the region's resources by Russia's Africa Corps and Gulf States. It explores the challenges facing democracy in Africa, the involvement of foreign powers in conflicts, and the impact on youth dissatisfaction with democratic systems. The conversation delves into the need for institutional reforms and the imperative of liberal democracy in Africa.

Prof Ali Ansari discusses Iran's drone attacks on Israel, potential escalation into regional war, Netanyahu's strategy, and Iran's desire for peace. The podcast explores the dynamics of the conflict and calls for restraint to prevent devastation.

Dr David Ucko and Gavin Esler discuss the resurgence of asymmetric warfare funded by the global drugs trade and crypto. Topics include the evolution of synthetic drugs, violence associated with it, and the challenges of countering non-state armed groups. The conversation also touches on the role of political violence, disrupting militant finance networks, and the complexities of counterinsurgency strategies in modern conflicts.

Elisabeth Braw discusses Houthi attacks on global shipping, highlighting the Red Sea crisis's impact on supply chains. The podcast explores the rise of dark fleets, asymmetric warfare risks, and the need for systemic reform in maritime affairs. It delves into global rule-breaking, challenges to trade routes, and the economic implications of a Taiwan conflict on sea-based trade.