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
13 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 45min
How a Middle Eastern superpower is fuelling the Sudan war
Kholood Khair, a Sudanese political analyst and director of Confluence Advisory, joins Michael Jones, a senior fellow focused on terrorism and conflict, to discuss the ongoing crisis in Sudan. They delve into the atrocities in El-Fasher and the role of the Rapid Support Forces. Kholood reveals the UAE's strategic backing of the RSF, while Michael explains how foreign arms like drones impact the conflict. They also examine the muted international response and the implications for regional stability, urging the need for a comprehensive ceasefire and political solutions.
10 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 28min
The battle to make Gaza healthy again
Joining the discussion are Professor Paul Spiegel, a humanitarian health expert from Johns Hopkins, and Professor Nick Maynard, a consultant surgeon with years of experience in Gaza. They delve into the dire health crisis in Gaza post-ceasefire. Spiegel outlines urgent needs like safety, clean water, and rebuilding health services, while Maynard shares harrowing firsthand accounts from hospitals. The conversation highlights the unique challenges of Gaza, including health infrastructure devastation and the pressing need for local leadership in recovery efforts.
22 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 43min
Conquering the Arctic: How China and Russia are joining forces
This discussion features Caroline Kennedy-Pipe, a military historian, and Dr. Elizabeth Buchanan, a polar geopolitics expert. They dive deep into the strategic maneuvers of Russia and China in the Arctic as melting ice opens new trade routes. The guests debate the implications of rapid Sino-Russian cooperation and NATO's response to this shifting power dynamic. They also explore the potential militarization of these regions, including China's scientific initiatives that blur the lines between research and military applications.
26 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 33min
Is Trump about to invade Venezuela?
Brian Finucane, a Senior Adviser at the International Crisis Group and a former Department of State lawyer, dives deep into the rising tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela. He discusses the controversial military buildup near Venezuela and clarifies the legal ambiguities of recent U.S. strikes. Finucane debunks narratives around narco-terrorism, while explaining why regime change in Caracas may be unrealistic. He also raises alarms about the implications for U.S. democracy and the erosion of congressional authority over military actions.
9 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 22min
How AI is supercharging bioweapons
In this compelling discussion, Dr. Brett Edwards, a security and public policy scholar, and Dr. Ken Alibek, a former Soviet bioweapons expert, delve into the evolving threats posed by biological weapons. They explore how advancements in AI can both help enforce bans and inadvertently make bioweapons more accessible. Alibek shares chilling insights into Soviet biological weapons, while Edwards warns about the implications of hybrid warfare and the need for robust verification methods. They highlight the pressing challenges of complacency and deception in global health security.
9 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 35min
China just proved it can cripple the US military in days. Now Trump is furious
Neha Mukherjee, an analyst at Benchmark Minerals, and Samuel Olsen, a risk analyst from Sibylline, dive into the shocking reality of China's grip on rare earth minerals. They explain how these elements power vital military tech, like fighter jets and missiles. With China's recent export controls, both guests outline the vulnerabilities in the West's supply chain, the consequences of a Taiwan conflict, and the long road ahead for rebuilding defenses. Their insights reveal a geopolitical battle that could reshape global power dynamics without a single shot fired.
42 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 37min
I hunted Russian submarines: this is how to beat Putin's navy
Tom Sharpe, a former Royal Navy commander with expertise in hunting submarines, shares his insights on the Russian submarine Novorossiysk and NATO's response. He explains the routine of diesel-electric subs surfacing for recharging, dispelling myths about their distress. Tom discusses the reliability of Russian reports and the overall state of their navy, emphasizing the growing threat posed by modern Russian submarines. He also touches on the implications of drone warfare and the need for naval adaptation in this evolving landscape.
Oct 15, 2025 • 28min
Could war spark the next pandemic?
Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, brings his expertise in infectious diseases to the discussion. He explores how war zones can propagate diseases, referencing the historical connection between conflict and pandemics. Topics include the threat of 'Disease X' in current conflicts, the rise of antimicrobial resistance due to wartime conditions, and how disruptions in healthcare amplify risks. Amesh emphasizes the need for better preparedness, warning that political divides could leave us vulnerable to the next outbreak.
Oct 13, 2025 • 55min
I caught Chinese spies: Trump's FBI forced me out
China isn’t just spying — many Western security officials believe it’s waging a full-blown, whole-of-government campaign against the West. From hacking our systems to manipulating elections and social media, Beijing’s playing the long game to undermine Britain, America, and their allies. We speak to former FBI agent Michael Feinberg who quit under very controversial circumstances — he lifts the lid on how China’s outsmarting the FBI, America, and the entire Western intelligence machine. Rooted in centuries of pride and grievance, he says that China sees itself on a divine mission to topple Western dominance. And while our governments talk tough, we’ve tied ourselves to China economically — a dangerous bind.► 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/fromtheeditorCredits: Steven McDowell / Science Photo Library RFhttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Oct 10, 2025 • 39min
Could Britain survive a Russia-style drone onslaught?
In this explosive episode of Battle Lines, Venetia Rainey is asking the question everyone else is too afraid to: is Britain ready for a Russian-style drone onslaught? Drones have been spotted across Europe — Poland, Germany, Denmark, Belgium — sparking fears of a new kind of hybrid war. Could the UK defend itself if those drones turned up on our shores? To find out, Venetia is joined by ex-RAF pilot and CEO of FlyBy Technology, Jon Parker, and The Telegraph's senior foreign correspondent, Memphis Barker. Their verdict? Britain’s readiness score — a pitiful two or three out of ten. This is a wake-up call.Read Memphis' Wales drone dispatch:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2025/09/14/britains-best-attack-drones-are-stuck-chasing-sheep/► 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/fromtheeditorCredits: Mariusz Burcz / Alamy Stock Photohttps://linktr.ee/BattleLinesContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
