Battle Lines
The Telegraph
Battle Lines is The Telegraph’s defence, security and foreign affairs podcast. It offers expert analysis and on-the-ground reporting from around the world, everywhere from China and the United States to the Middle East and Europe.Three times a week, veteran foreign correspondents Roland Oliphant and Venetia Rainey bring you on-the-ground dispatches from the world’s most volatile regions and informed analysis from world-class experts.Every Wednesday on Battle Lines x Global Health Security they’re joined by Arthur Scott-Geddes to look at the intersection between health and security, from bioweapons to warzone diseases to frontline medicine. You can watch these episodes here.Whether it’s the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Gaza conflict, Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific, tensions between India and Pakistan, or the civil war in Sudan, Battle Lines covers the world’s most critical flashpoints with depth and clarity.When will China invade Taiwan? Can Donald Trump bring peace to the Middle East? What should Europe do to help Ukraine beat Russia? Is Iran building a nuclear bomb? What is the point of NATO? Can the United Kingdom still defend itself? Created by David Knowles, Battle Lines answers all these questions and more, bringing together the best of The Telegraph’s international, geopolitical, and conflict reporting in one place.Don’t forget to follow and leave a review to stay updated on the latest in global conflict and foreign affairs.Battle Lines: Global Health Security is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 19, 2025 • 53min
‘Russia-Ukraine deal impossible while Putin is alive’: ex-UK ambassador to Moscow
In this insightful discussion, former UK ambassador to Russia, Sir Laurie Bristow, shares his sobering views on global instability and the futility of negotiating with Putin. Drawing from three decades in the Foreign Office, he warns that a ceasefire is unattainable as long as Putin remains in power. Bristow discusses the misjudgment of Russia by the West, the need for modernized diplomacy, and the urgent necessity for the UK to adapt its strategies. He emphasizes the challenges of responding to Russian provocations and the lessons learned from Afghanistan.
Dec 17, 2025 • 35min
Inside Sin City: Chinese gangs, scam centres and people trafficking
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Newey, a Global Health Security Correspondent, uncovers the dark world of Sin City in Laos, where Chinese gangs run sophisticated scam operations. She vividly describes the glitzy yet gritty atmosphere, revealing how these scam centers operate with techniques like deepfakes and coerced labor. Joining her, Richard Horsey, a political analyst, examines how the power vacuums in the Mekong region have enabled organized crime to thrive, especially post-pandemic, while highlighting the need for international cooperation to combat these challenges.
Dec 15, 2025 • 39min
'The frontline is everywhere': 10 surprising conflict hotspots for 2026
Today, Britain’s MI6 chief delivered a chilling message: the frontline is now everywhere.Look around the world and the evidence is overwhelming. From Ukraine to Gaza to Sudan, violence is spreading fast and growing more lethal by the month. New data from ACLED shows that Europe is now the most intense conflict zone on the planet - a fact that should shock anyone in the West still clinging to the idea that war happens elsewhere. Plus, with drone strikes now accounting for more than a quarter of all attacks worldwide, war is only a short flight away. This is not a bad patch, this is a dangerous new era. And next year will be even bloodier still. The warning signs are screaming at us. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data organisation, known as ACLED, has been tracking all of this data and more. Venetia speaks to their CEO Clionadh Raleigh to find out more.Read ACLED's report: https://acleddata.com/conflict-index-2026-watchlistProducer: Peter ShevlinExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 12, 2025 • 51min
The ex-Royal Marine Commando kicking Britain's armed forces into shape
Al Carnes, the UK's new Minister of State for the Armed Forces and former Royal Marine Commando, shares his insights on revitalizing Britain's military. He discusses the need for increased defense spending, the potential for peace talks in Ukraine, and Europe assuming greater security responsibility. Carnes critiques political figures like Nigel Farage and advocates for reform in military procurement. He also emphasizes the integration of modern technologies and uncrewed systems to bolster the Army's combat capabilities.
Dec 10, 2025 • 42min
'I fought the Taliban, now we have tea’: Maj Gen Cowan on landmines, aid and Ukraine
In this illuminating conversation, Major General James Cowan, a former British Army commander and current CEO of HALO Trust, dives into the vital intersection of defense and humanitarian aid. He discusses how clearing landmines post-conflict can prevent future wars and enhance global security. Cowan highlights the challenges posed by landmines in places like Ukraine and Gaza, emphasizing their impact on civilian life. He also argues that sustainable livelihoods and international engagement are crucial for reducing migration pressures and maintaining British safety.
7 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 41min
More Russia, less China and no Europe: Trump’s new security strategy unveiled
Kim Darroch, a former British diplomat with deep expertise in transatlantic relations, discusses Trump's radical National Security Strategy. He reveals how the strategy dismisses long-standing alliances, particularly condemning Europe while favoring Russia. Darroch highlights the strategy's criticism of Europe’s decline and its implications for US support in Ukraine. They also explore the tough stance on China, emphasizing Taiwan’s strategic role and the necessity for increased European defense spending amidst these geopolitical shifts.
22 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 51min
Why can't Britain build a decent tank?
Dominic Nicholls, a Defence editor with insights from his military background, and Ben Barry, a former Armoured Infantry Brigade Commander, unpack the scandal surrounding the Ajax armoured vehicle. They dive into the shocking illness of soldiers due to unresolved noise and vibration issues, procurement missteps, and the contentious response from General Dynamics. The discussion highlights the importance of manned reconnaissance and critiques outdated procurement practices, revealing deep concerns about Britain’s military readiness and future capabilities.
Dec 3, 2025 • 31min
Terror insurgency or Christian genocide? Inside Nigeria’s security crisis
Nigeria is in the throes of a severe security crisis, with rampant violence and mass kidnappings affecting communities. Recent high-profile abductions raise alarms about the use of victims as human shields. Expert Chi Lael sheds light on the alarming growth of extremist groups and the resulting food insecurity impacting millions. Reports of daily attacks on farmers heighten concerns over agricultural production. The conversation also touches on the complex motives behind the violence and the urgent need for humanitarian aid amidst political inaction.
13 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 38min
Europe is mobilising to face Russia. Is the UK falling behind?
Dr. Lynette Nusbacher, a military historian, and James Crisp, The Telegraph's Europe editor, discuss Europe's military shifts in response to the Russian threat. They dive into Macron's revival of military service in France and its cultural implications. The conversation highlights Britain's resistance to mass mobilisation and contrasts it with European nations embracing conscription. They also explore the implications of modern warfare, AI, and the need for a skills-oriented approach to defence in the UK.
19 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 36min
Inside Ukraine-Russia talks: Britain's Kissinger, Putin's enforcer and Trump's envoy
Joining the discussion are David Blair, Chief foreign affairs commentator at The Telegraph, and Orysia Lutsevych, Head of the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House. They delve into Jonathan Powell's significant role in reshaping diplomatic strategies around Ukraine, comparing him to Henry Kissinger. Topics of negotiation dynamics reveal the challenges of engaging with Putin, while Orysia emphasizes Ukraine’s multifaceted crises. The conversation raises pressing questions about the future of peace talks and the endurance of Ukraine under immense pressure.
