Facing Coming Storms: Talking International Defence

The war in Ukraine is not just a regional conflict – it is a testing ground for the future of warfare and a frontline in the wider confrontation between authoritarian regimes and the West.In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps is joined by Bob Seely, former Member of Parliament, reservist and author of The New Total War. Drawing on his unique background and family legacy, Bob shares how the war in Ukraine is reshaping modern conflict and what it reveals about Russia's strategy, from the battlefield to political warfare.We discuss the rapid evolution of drone technology, why Ukraine has become the crucible of 21st-century ground warfare, and how the West risks falling behind in both readiness and resilience. Bob also explains how Russia's approach blends military and non-military tools-from propaganda to cyber operations-into a single, integrated form of warfare, and what that means for NATO, Eastern Europe, and the global balance of power.What You'll Learn- Modern Warfare Lessons: Why Ukraine and Russia are redefining ground tactics for the drone age.- Russia's Strategy: How Moscow combines military force with political, economic, and information warfare.- Global Implications: What this conflict means for NATO, Eastern Europe, and the risks of wider escalation.Bob's insights remind us that Ukraine is not just fighting for its survival-it is showing the world the future of warfare, and the urgent need for us to be ready.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if cutting-edge technology could redefine global defence strategies?In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps is joined by James Black, Deputy Director at RAND Europe and an expert in strategic competition and emerging technologies. Together, they explore the transformative power of defence technology, its profound implications for global security and industry, and key lessons from history, with a spotlight on the DSEI showcase - a premier event for defence industry leaders.What You'll Discover- Technological Innovation: How soldiers and strategists can leverage AI, drones, and other breakthroughs to drive defence advancements.- Alliance Building: Why strengthening coalitions is critical to countering authoritarian advantages during peacetime.- Deterrence Strategies: How coordinated, resilient responses can prevent conflicts and enhance global stability.We dive into military applications, tackle procurement challenges, and analyse industrial dynamics, revealing how democracies can harness alliances for robust deterrence. James' insights provide strategic clarity, empowering listeners to navigate future challenges and foster global collaboration.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if understanding limited nuclear war could prevent global catastrophe? In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, we explore the chilling realities of nuclear risks and war planning with Bob Manning, Senior Research Fellow for Strategic Deterrence at the Heritage Foundation and a veteran of nearly 20 years in the US Department of Defence, and Leo Keay, a PhD candidate and parliamentary researcher.We explore non-strategic nuclear weapons, escalation scenarios involving Russia and China, NATO's role, and US deterrence strategies, drawing from their report on learning to navigate the bomb.What You'll Learn- Deterrence Dynamics: Grasp how non-strategic weapons influence limited conflicts to inform strategic planning.- Escalation Risks: Recognise thresholds in Russian and Chinese doctrines to anticipate potential nuclear use.- Policy Preparedness: Evaluate NATO's vulnerabilities and advocate for robust responses to emerging threats.We discuss real-world implications like Russia's aerospace attacks, China's hypersonic capabilities, and the need for credible US deterrence, including insights from historical contexts like the siege of Leningrad. Practical tips include fostering international dialogue and enhancing allied coordination for stronger security.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if peering into one leader's mind could shape the future of global defence? In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps explores the psyche of Chinese President Xi Jinping with Michael Sheridan, a veteran foreign correspondent and author of The Red Emperor. Michael, who first reported for Reuters in 1980, shares insights from Xi's revolutionary roots to his iron grip on power, exploring his strategic thinking, Taiwan ambitions, and what might follow his rule.What You’ll Learn- Xi's Formative Influences: Grasp how his father's Red Army legacy and personal hardships forged a leader focused on discipline and national revival.- Taiwan Risks: Assess the calculated path to potential conflict by 2027, balancing military readiness with political caution.- Succession Scenarios: Prepare for a shift to collective leadership post-Xi, potentially easing tensions and opening reform paths.We discuss Xi's purge of rivals, his emphasis on consensus in decision-making, and the evolution of China's governance from Mao's era to today. For defence professionals, it's a toolkit for understanding adversary mindsets and anticipating strategic moves.Key Moments2:10 - The Rise of Xi Jinping4:35 - Impact of the Cultural Revolution9:05 - The Complexities of Taiwan14:03 - Taiwan's Independence and China's Stance19:20 - Understanding Chinese Military Structure25:04 - The Stakes of Potential Conflict28:38 - The Role of the U.S. in Taiwan32:21 - The China-Russia Relationship35:25 - Historical Grievances and Alliances40:06 - Benefits of the Ukraine War for China43:27 - Xi Jinping's Approach to U.S. Relations55:14 - Future Leadership in ChinaFacing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What’s shaping the Middle East’s evolving landscape? In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, we’re joined by Hayat Alvi, Ph.D., a professor at the US Naval War College, to explore the factors driving change in the region. We discuss how Iran’s regional strategies are adapting to new challenges and what their measured responses might indicate, drawing on Hayat’s expertise in international relations.We also examine shifting global dynamics, including the US’s growing focus on Asia, Europe’s efforts to navigate its role, and the broader impact of ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.Key moments3:05 - Middle East Dynamics5:31 - The Israeli-Iranian Conflict Unfolds8:19 - Complex Interests of Regional Players10:38 - Media Narratives and Public Sentiment12:53 - U.S. Military Strategy and Iran16:42 - The Trump Doctrine in the Middle East22:16 - Challenges of Conflict Resolution24:04 - The U.S. Position in the Region25:41 - Unmanned Systems and Future Warfare29:36 - Turkey's Evolving Role and Interests34:38 - Israel's Strikes and Syrian Dynamics38:58 - Regional Power Plays and ExpansionFacing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

How do Russia's and China's militaries align and differ in today’s world? In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Mark Cozad, a RAND Corporation senior defence researcher and former US Air Force intelligence officer joins Peter Apps, to explore how NATO’s 1999 Kosovo campaign pushed both nations toward “non-contact warfare,” mixing precision strikes with political strategy to counter the West. Russia leans on mass mobilisation, as seen in Ukraine, while China bets on cutting-edge tech and institutional strength.We dive into the human and strategic factors - Russia’s purges and cultural shifts versus China’s lack of combat experience since 1979 - plus nuclear posturing, alliances, and flashpoints like Taiwan or Korea.Key moments1:45 - Non-Contact Warfare Explained6:54 - Military Evolution Post-19999:49 - Modern PLA vs. Russian Military16:09 - Chinese Perspectives on Taiwan Conflict30:05 - Internal Military Cultures33:24 - Planning and Execution Challenges42:12 - Future Directions for the PLAFacing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

In this insightful discussion, Ben Connable, a former US Marine and leader of the Battle Research Group, delves into the nuances of modern ground combat. He emphasizes the necessity of studying battles, like the Irpin River clash, to grasp evolving tactics and human dynamics. Ben reveals how shrinking militaries and tech reliance complicate decision-making, highlighting the importance of preserving primary sources for military history. He also discusses the critical impact of civilians in warfare and the challenges of fighting in urban environments.

Can Europe’s fragmented defence industry meet the demands of a shifting geopolitical landscape? In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Stuart Dee from RAND Europe joins Peter Apps to unpack the NATO summit in The Hague, where pledges to raise defence spending to 3.5%–5% of GDP signal a bold shift. They discuss why large budgets fail to deliver, hindered by a splintered industrial base.From Germany’s post-2022 rearmament to balancing tanks with tech like quantum computing, they explore innovative approaches like Helsing’s “resilience factories,” alongside challenges like the UK’s nuclear submarine goals and Ukraine’s agile drone industry.Key moments1:43 - US Defence Shifts and European Implications2:31 - The European Defence Industrial Landscape7:48 - Spending Boosts and National Ambitions10:34 - Germany's Defence Spending Dilemma13:49 - The Turning Point: Ukraine's Impact17:47 - Future Technologies and Defence Strategies22:52 - Industrial Base Challenges in Defence34:58 - Innovations in Defence Manufacturing38:26 - Economic Growth and Defence Spending44:38 - The 1.5% Defence Spending Question48:27 - The Complexity of Defence BudgetsFacing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What’s really shaping America’s foreign policy under Trump, and how does it ripple out to the rest of us? In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, we are joined with Nikolas Gvosdev, a professor at the US Naval War College sharing his personal insights, as we unpack unpredictable US strategy—from strikes on Iran to mixed signals on Ukraine and alliances. We explore tension between bold actions and restraint, questioning if there’s a coherent Trump doctrine or just competing visions in the administration.We reflect on the NATO summit’s “America is back” vibe, challenges for allies like Japan amid tariffs and shifting priorities, and planning headaches with flip-flopping US commitments. From nuclear postures to balkanised alliances, it’s a candid look at how these dynamics force everyone to rethink agility and self-reliance in an era of endless escalation.Key moments02:08 - Uncertainty in U.S. National Security Decisions09:58 - Crisis Response and Resource Constraints16:01 - European Allies’ Role in Ukraine24:53 - Russian Long-Term Struggle Narrative33:35 - Potential Tensions in Administration41:51 - Complexities in European DeterrenceFacing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

How are drone strikes and precision targeting transforming warfare? In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, George Barrows from the Institute for the Study of War and Brian Carter from the American Enterprise Institute analyse Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web, smuggling drones into Russia to disrupt airfields, and Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear program. These intelligence-driven operations expose air defence vulnerabilities and reshape global conflicts.Iran’s proxy strategy crumbles under Israel’s precision, while Ukraine’s bold moves challenge Russian dominance. We examine how high-tech warfare, limited munitions, and interconnected flashpoints redefine battle lines, providing a stark view of war’s evolving nature.Key moments09:39 - Probing Air Defences Globally19:42 - Strategic Impact of Spiderweb Operation25:00 - AI-Driven Targeting Capabilities36:03 - Targeting Key Personnel in Conflicts37:29 - Defining Modern Warfare39:31 - Russia’s Potential for Limited Wars41:22 - Vulnerability to Stealth Strikes43:12 - Chinese Concerns Over Penetration43:29 - NATO’s Air Power Limitations45:56 - Munitions and Sustainability Issues53:12 - Drone Threats to DefencesFacing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.