
Battle Lines
Across the world, from Europe to Asia, the Americas to the Middle East, tensions are rising between nation states. Traditional alliances and alignments are constantly evolving in the 21st century. An understanding of defence and security policy and the tides of political, social and economic changes is crucial for any informed understanding of our world.2024 sees war in Europe and Israel, and elections in major economies, including the US, the UK, Taiwan, South Africa, and many others. Insurgencies flare in Yemen and Burma, tensions escalate in East Africa, and all around the world the international security architecture buckles under increasing pressure. With expert and experienced reporting on the ground from across the globe, Battle Lines combines on the ground reporting with analytical expertise to aid listeners to better understand the course of world politics and wars as the fault lines of global history grind and slip in an increasingly dangerous, and confusing, multipolar world. Battle Lines is the best of The Telegraph’s defence, security, and foreign reporting in one place.Telegraph subscribers get early access to bonus episodes on Ukraine: The Latest and Battle Lines. You can subscribe within The Telegraph app, or tap on ‘Already a subscriber’ at the top of this page to log in to link your existing subscription, for more information head to https://www.telegraph.co.uk/contact-us/telegraph-subscription-bonus-content-apple-podcasts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Nov 7, 2024 • 45min
Trump's new world order
Joining the discussion are Robert Mendick, a Chief Reporter with insights from the US election, and Edward Arnold, a Senior Research Fellow at RUSI. They dive into the surprising electoral support for Trump and its implications for international relations. The conversation touches on the cultural dynamics influencing voter sentiment and the effects of Trump's immigration policies, including the journey of Latin American migrants. They also analyze global uncertainty in foreign policy and the growing concerns over NATO and Russia's interactions.

Nov 4, 2024 • 25min
Will Iran attack Israel again? Plus Beirut's community kitchen
Kamal Mouzawak, a passionate Lebanese social entrepreneur, runs a community kitchen in Beirut that feeds displaced individuals amid ongoing turmoil. He discusses how 'Matba Al-Khel' not only provides meals but also fosters community resilience. The conversation shifts to Iran's potential military strategies towards Israel, examining the latest tensions in the region. The impact of conflict on Lebanon's agriculture and economy, along with the emotional connections of the diaspora, underscores the complexity of the humanitarian crisis.

Oct 31, 2024 • 34min
Will the US election spark a civil war?
Rozina Sabur, Deputy US Editor, shares the tense atmosphere leading up to the election, highlighting security concerns stemming from past violence. Jesse Moss and Tony Gerber, co-directors of 'War Game,' discuss their documentary simulating a contested election scenario that spiraled into insurrection. They reveal the dynamics of military involvement in domestic crises and the pervasive impact of misinformation. Amidst fears and tensions, the trio emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and maintaining hope for democratic processes.

Oct 28, 2024 • 35min
Israel strikes Iran, plus inside Gaza's hospitals
How will Iran respond to Israel's attack? On today's episode of Battle Lines we'll update you on everything you need to know about Israel's retaliatory strike on Iran. We'll also be chatting to Karin Huster, a Médecins Sans Frontières doctor in Gaza to get an in depth look at what's really going on in the north of the Strip amidst Israel's ongoing siege.Contributors Venetia RaineyRoland OliphantKarin Huster Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 24, 2024 • 29min
Putin's new world order
James Kilner, the Telegraph's Russia correspondent, discusses the high-stakes BRICS summit in Kazan, revealing Putin's ambitions for a multipolar world amidst shifting global alliances. Nicola Smith, East Asia correspondent, dives into the troubling potential for North Korean troops to join the fight in Ukraine, highlighting the implications for Western Pacific security. Together, they unpack how these developments may reshape international relations and impact issues like Moldova's chaotic elections and regional security in East Asia.

Oct 21, 2024 • 29min
What next for Hamas after Sinwar's death
Ben Farmer, a seasoned reporter based in Beirut who covers the Middle East conflict, joins Con Coughlin, a veteran defense and foreign affairs editor for The Telegraph. They discuss the implications of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's death and who might succeed him. Con reflects on his experiences reporting in Beirut during the 1984 war, shedding light on Hezbollah's evolving role and its political identity. The dialogue also touches on the humanitarian crises emerging from ongoing tensions and Israel's complex military responses amidst regional instability.

Oct 18, 2024 • 25min
China's wargames, a royal trip to Sudan border
Nicola Smith, an Asia correspondent with sharp insights into geopolitical events, and Henry Bodkin, a Senior reporter for The Telegraph known for his on-the-ground coverage, engage in a vivid discussion. They explore China's aggressive military drills around Taiwan, analyzing the implications for the region's stability. Smith highlights Taiwan's precarious position amid heightened tensions. Bodkin shares poignant stories from the Sudanese-Chad border, detailing the dire humanitarian crisis and emphasizing the urgent need for global awareness and action.

Oct 14, 2024 • 25min
Hezbollah drone attack, UNIFIL-Israel row, Russia and Iran deepen ties
Recent conflicts in the Middle East have led to a significant drone attack by Hezbollah, raising alarm over Israeli security. Tensions between Israel and UN peacekeepers are escalating, amidst accusations of bias. The strategic deployment of U.S. missile defense systems highlights America's role in the region. As alliances shift, notably between Russia and Iran, the traditional rules of engagement are unraveling, creating a new and unpredictable landscape in the ongoing war.

Oct 11, 2024 • 44min
Israel expands offensive in Lebanon, is Israel nuclear?
In this engaging discussion, foreign correspondent Ben Farmer shares on-the-ground insights from Lebanon, highlighting Israel's intensified military efforts against Hezbollah. He details the humanitarian impact of the conflict and the daily struggles faced by civilians. Meanwhile, nuclear proliferation expert Henry Sokolski dives into the alarming potential of Iran's nuclear ambitions escalating tensions in the region. Together, they examine Israel's nuclear capabilities and the broader implications of a potential nuclear conflict, presenting a chilling view of the geopolitical landscape.

Oct 9, 2024 • 31min
Israel's Oasis of Peace one year later
In this insightful discussion, Adam Ben-Shabbat and Nadim Tali, residents of Neve Shalom, share their unique experiences living in a village where Palestinians and Jewish Israelis coexist. They delve into the psychological toll of living in a conflict zone, reflecting on emotional burdens and community divisions caused by ongoing violence. The duo emphasizes the necessity for dialogue, highlighting personal connections as bridges to peace amid deep-rooted trauma. Their perspectives shed light on hope and the challenges of finding common ground in turbulent times.
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