
Sounds Strategic
We are a world-leading authority on global security, political risk and military conflict. We were founded in 1958, and have offices in London, Washington, Singapore and Bahrain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

9 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 26min
IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2025: Reflections
Meia Nouwens talks with Veerle Nouwens, Executive Director of the IISS Asia, and Morgan Michaels, a Research Fellow on Southeast Asian Security. They delve into pivotal moments from the recent Shangri-La Dialogue, including US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s redefining ambitions for the Indo-Pacific. The trio discusses President Macron’s call for enhanced European-Asian ties and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's plea for global cooperation to maintain international stability. They also highlight security dynamics concerning Pacific Island states and the Myanmar crisis.

May 23, 2025 • 23min
IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2025
In this Sounds Strategic episode, podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Veerle Nouwens, Evan A. Laksmana and Nick Childs to discuss the upcoming 22nd IISS Shangri La Dialogue, which will be held in Singapore from 30 May–1 June. This year’s dialogue is held against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, an intense US trade and tariff war with China, heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, and ongoing military modernisation across the Asia Pacific. Key themes explored include the impact of great power competition on small and medium powers in the region; strategies to manage nuclear and conventional proliferation risks; and the evolving defence challenges in critical domains such as undersea warfare, cyber security and outer space. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 16 May 2025 The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. Find out more: https://www.iiss.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 27, 2025 • 25min
From pledges to capabilities: Europe’s defence spending and Germany’s strategic shift
Europe’s defence posture is evolving rapidly — but is the pace of change sustainable? In this episode, IISS experts examine global and regional defence spending trends, the EU’s emerging industrial initiatives and the implications of Germany’s policy shift. Host Meia Nouwens is joined by Fenella McGerty, Ester Sabatino and Ben Schreer to discuss whether current trends represent a pivot in European strategic capability or if policy ambition will be constrained by economic and political realities. Key themes include: Drivers behind global and European defence spending increases The EU’s ReArm Europe Constraints on joint procurement and industrial scalability Germany’s budget shift and prospects for sustained leadership Geopolitical uncertainties and potential disruptors We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 24 March 2025 The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 20, 2025 • 41min
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: three years on
Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Dr Maria Shagina and Franz-Stefan Gady to discuss the recent developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Almost three years to the date of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a new US administration has drastically changed the course of events. President Trump has signaled a desire for the war to end, and for the US’ attention to focus on strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific instead of on European security matters. At the time of recording, the US and Russia are negotiating Ukraine’s future, without Ukraine represented at the table. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 17 February 2025 The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 17, 2024 • 26min
IISS Manama Dialogue 2024: Reflections
In this episode of Sounds Strategic, we explore the main takeaways from the 20th IISS Manama Dialogue, held in Bahrain from 6 to 8 December 2024. IISS host Meia Nouwens is joined by experts Air Marshal (Retd) Martin ‘Sammy’ Sampson, Dr Irene Mia and Dr Hasan Alhasan to discuss to their views on the themes that emerged from the Dialogue ranging from conflict resolution to post-conflict reconstruction. The IISS Manama Dialogue came at a momentous time for the Middle East, with ongoing conflicts and instability in the region. By the end of the Dialogue, the Assad regime had collapsed. Themes include global security, the eroding rules-based order, and the implications of expanding strategic partnerships. The episode also touched on Iran’s regional influence, the complexities of post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza, and the growing role of non-state actors in conflict zones. Tune in for an in-depth look at the geopolitical challenges and solutions shaping the Middle East. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 11 December 2024 The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. We recommend the following background reading for this episode: IISS Manama Dialogue 2024 IISS Manama Dialogue 2024: Introduction and Expert Commentary Chapter 1 | Geopolitics: Fragmentation, competition and the persistence of conflict Armed Conflict Survey 2024: Editor's Introduction Iran’s strategic limbo Tracking Gulf defence production: armoured vehicles lead the way Human and development costs of the Middle East’s protracted conflicts Bridging, not hedging: Arab Gulf States’ ambitions in a polarised world Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 snips
Nov 15, 2024 • 20min
IISS Prague Defence Summit 2024: Reflections
Tom Waldwyn, a Research Associate for Defense Procurement, and Ester Sabatino, a Research Associate for Defense and Military Analysis, dive into the evolving landscape of European defense. They explore trends in defense spending and military readiness, especially in light of recent U.S. political shifts. The duo addresses challenges surrounding military procurement and the vital importance of securing rare materials crucial for defense production. Their insights from the IISS Prague Defence Summit shed light on the future resilience of European defense operations.

Oct 4, 2024 • 26min
One year after 7 October: the Middle East’s regionalised war
In this episode of Sounds Strategic, podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Emile Hokayem, Hasan Alhasan and Fabian Hinz to discuss the ongoing developments in the Middle East.One year after 7 October, the speakers share their insights on the regional developments – from the status of the war in Gaza to the broadening of Israel’s operations in the region. The IISS experts discuss the strategic calculations behind Israel’s operations in Gaza and Lebanon, the evolving role of Iran and its regional allies, and the Gulf states' efforts to maintain stability amid rising tensions. As the United States and the wider West navigate a complex regional landscape, we consider the shifting balance of power and the potential diplomatic, military and humanitarian repercussions. Join us for our in-depth analysis of the current conflict and its implications for regional and global security. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 2 October 2024 The podcast is recorded and produced by The International Institute for Strategic Studies. For more information, please visit https://www.iiss.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 14, 2024 • 16min
Blast from the past: the return of long-range US missiles to Europe
Douglas Barrie and Timothy Wright, experts in military aerospace and missile technology, dive into the strategic implications of the U.S. and Germany's decision to deploy long-range missiles in Europe amidst escalating tensions from Russia. They dissect the historical context of arms control failures and NATO's evolving defense strategy. The conversation also highlights the advantages of ground launch systems and the potential destabilizing effects of these deployments on European security, all against the backdrop of the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine.

Aug 2, 2024 • 16min
NATO's strategic pivot: defence spending and future challenges
In this latest episode, host Meia Nouwens, IISS Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy, is joined by IISS experts Henry Boyd, Fenella McGerty and Karl Dewey to dissect the critical outcomes of the NATO Leaders Summit held in Washington DC. The discussion navigates through the latest trends in NATO defence spending, the need for greater budget transparency, and the pressing challenges the alliance faces. The episode highlights the importance of efficient defence spending, enhanced integration, and robust collaboration among NATO allies. Additionally, it covers the impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the potential repercussions of the upcoming US elections on NATO’s cohesion and strategic insights into the alliance's future. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 29 July 2024 The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 7, 2024 • 22min
IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2024: Reflections
Host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Dr Bastian Giegerich, Veerle Nouwens, Dr Ben Schreer and Morgan Michaels to discuss the key themes and takeaways from the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue. The episode delves into the proliferation of new partnership formats amidst the strategic competition between the US and China. The discussion also features analyses of the keynote speeches by President Marcos of the Philippines and President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, exploring their perspectives on sovereignty and international norms. The speakers also discuss the concept of ASEAN centrality and regional frameworks, European engagement in the Indo-Pacific and the Myanmar conflict. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice. Date of Recording: 5 June 2024 The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. We recommend the following background reading for this episode: IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 | Transcripts and recordings: https://www.iiss.org/events/shangri-la-dialogue/shangri-la-dialogue-2024/ IISS Shangri-La Dialogue | Special Session 1 Deterrence and Reassurance in the Asia-Pacific: https://www.iiss.org/events/shangri-la-dialogue/shangri-la-dialogue-2024/special-sessions/special-session-1/ APRSA 2024 | Chapter 2: Middling and Muddling Through? Managing Asia-Pacific Crises: https://www.iiss.org/publications/strategic-dossiers/asia-pacific-regional-security-assessment-2024/chapter-2/ IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 | Special Session 3: Myanmar: Opportunities for Diplomacy Amid Different Visions for Peace: https://www.iiss.org/events/shangri-la-dialogue/shangri-la-dialogue-2024/special-sessions/special-session-3/ IISS Myanmar Conflict Map: https://myanmar.iiss.org/ APRSA 2024 | Chapter 4: Disparate Diplomacy: Managing the Post-coup Myanmar Conflict: https://www.iiss.org/publications/strategic-dossiers/asia-pacific-regional-security-assessment-2024/chapter-4/ Myanmar policy at a crossroads: https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2024/05/myanmar-policy-at-a-crossroads/ IISS Prague Defence Summit: https://www.iiss.org/events/prague-defence-summit/prague-defence-summit-2024/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.