Talking Strategy
Royal United Services Institute
Our thinking about defence and security is shaped by ideas. What we see depends on our vantage point and the lenses we apply to the world. Governments, military and business leaders are seeking to maximise the value they gain from scarce resources by becoming more 'strategic'. Standing on the shoulders of the giants of strategy from the past helps us see further and more clearly into the future. This series is aimed at those looking to learn more about strategy and how to become more strategic – leaders, practitioners and scholars.
This podcast series, co-chaired by Professor Beatrice Heuser and Paul O'Neill, examines the ideas of important thinkers from around the world and across the ages. The ideas, where they came from and what shaped those whose ideas shape us now. By exploring the concepts in which we and our adversaries think today, the episodes will shine a light on how we best prepare for tomorrow.
The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by RUSI employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of RUSI.
This podcast series, co-chaired by Professor Beatrice Heuser and Paul O'Neill, examines the ideas of important thinkers from around the world and across the ages. The ideas, where they came from and what shaped those whose ideas shape us now. By exploring the concepts in which we and our adversaries think today, the episodes will shine a light on how we best prepare for tomorrow.
The views or statements expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the podcast does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by RUSI employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of RUSI.
Episodes
Mentioned books
6 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 33min
S6E7: Strategic Transformation of the Army: General Sir Nigel Bagnall
Justin Maciejewski, a former senior British Army officer and director of the National Army Museum, shares insights on General Sir Nigel Bagnall's transformative reforms in the British Army. He highlights Bagnall's strategic innovations against the Soviet threat, emphasizing the importance of doctrine, training, and collaboration with NATO allies. Maciejewski also discusses the significance of Bagnall's adaptability and the legacy of his ideas, asserting their relevance in today's military landscape. Tune in for a deep dive into military strategy and leadership!
18 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 34min
S6E6: Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson: Building a Warrior Culture
In this discussion, Dr. Martin Robson, an associate professor specializing in naval history, delves into the remarkable leadership of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson. He reveals how Nelson fostered a martial spirit among his sailors, urging them to confront enemies boldly. The conversation highlights Nelson’s innovative delegation style, creating a cohesive leadership team through personal engagement. Robson also explores Nelson's people-centric approach and his strategic use of public support, shaping a lasting heroic legacy that still resonates today.
20 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 36min
S6E5: Strategy Amidst Complexity: Gen.(retd) Lori Robinson
General (retd) Lori Robinson, a trailblazing four-star U.S. Air Force officer, shares her insights on strategic leadership from her distinguished 37-year career. She defines strategy as aligning objectives with capabilities and adversary considerations. Robinson contrasts military and business strategies, emphasizes the impact of Congressional oversight on military planning, and discusses the dynamics of binational command with Canada. Delving into servant leadership, she highlights the importance of teaching and empowering others for effective strategy making.
16 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 32min
S6E4: US Cold War Endgame Strategy: Zbigniew Brzezinski, with Edward Luce
Edward Luce, North America editor at the Financial Times and author of a biography on Zbigniew Brzezinski, delves into Brzezinski's pivotal role in shaping U.S. Cold War strategy as National Security Advisor to President Carter. He contrasts Brzezinski's human-rights-focused stance with Kissinger’s détente, evaluates the long-term effects of their policies, and discusses how Brzezinski advocated for defending Ukraine and managing China. Luce also reflects on Brzezinski's skeptical view of the Cold War's true end and his unique approach to bureaucratic politics.
58 snips
Oct 21, 2025 • 42min
S6E3: Lord Mervyn King: Effective Strategy for Radical Uncertainty
Lord Mervyn King, former Governor of the Bank of England and co-author of Radical Uncertainty, dives into the complexities of decision-making amidst radical uncertainty. He contrasts radical uncertainty with resolvable risks, emphasizing the importance of judgment over probabilities. King elaborates on how policy should be shaped by narratives rather than mere data. He also discusses the need for organizations to be resilient and adaptable, advocating for diverse perspectives to enhance strategic leadership while highlighting AI's supportive role in decision-making.
33 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 39min
S6E2: Europe's Security: Squeezed Between Russia and the US?
Dr. Fiona Hill, a leading voice on Russian affairs and senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, shares her insights on European security dynamics. She discusses how Europe navigates a challenging position, squeezed between a hostile Russia and a competitive US. Hill contrasts the strategic perspectives of Trump and Putin, emphasizing their focus on competition rather than collaboration. She also highlights the importance of public engagement in defense strategies, advocating for increased European self-reliance amid budget constraints and evolving global challenges.
44 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 34min
S6E1: Project Solarium: Dwight D. Eisenhower's Approach to Strategy Making
Walter M. Hudson, a Professor at the Eisenhower School for National Security, delves into Project Solarium, Eisenhower's innovative approach to national security strategy in 1953. He explores how this initiative was structured, involving three task forces analyzing containment and rollback. Hudson contrasts Eisenhower’s strategies with Truman’s, highlighting the balance of military and economic power. He discusses the legacy of Solarium and its relevance for modern policymakers, emphasizing that while its methods inspire, the unique context of the original project cannot be replicated.
49 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 33min
S5E21: Hero of a Thousand Faces - Reflections on Strategy and Leadership
Reflecting on past conversations, the hosts discuss key lessons about strategic leadership. They explore the balance between intuition and analysis in decision-making, emphasizing the importance of clear vision. The role of crisis in driving change and the need for inclusivity in organizational culture are highlighted. They also examine the ethical dilemmas leaders face in competitive environments. Ultimately, the discussion distills insights on the collaborative efforts required for successful strategy delivery.
8 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 43min
S5E20: The Primacy of Culture and Leadership in Strategic Success, with Khoi Tu
Khoi Tu, a senior partner at KornFerry Consultants and author of *Superteams*, shares his insights into the vital roles of leadership and culture in strategic success. He discusses the parallels between military and business strategies, stressing that effective strategy hinges on adaptive leadership and making intentional choices. Tu emphasizes the importance of shared purpose in high-performing teams and highlights the transformational power of organizational culture, using Microsoft's evolution under Satya Nadella as a success story.
21 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 33min
S5E19: Thucydides: A Revolution in Strategic Thinking
Dr. Roel Konijnendijk, a Derby Fellow of Ancient History at Lincoln College, Oxford, delves into the revolutionary thoughts of Thucydides, who prioritized human agency over divine fate in strategic analysis. He discusses Thucydides' military insights from the Peloponnesian War, exploring moral dilemmas and power dynamics. The conversation raises whether modern strategists mimic his ideas or if they genuinely represent timeless behaviors. Konijnendijk also reflects on Thucydides' relevance in today’s geopolitical landscape and the challenges of applying ancient wisdom to contemporary warfare.
