
The Red Line
Three experts, one Story. Each fortnight we host a panel of international experts diving into the biggest geopolitical stories shaping the news both here and overseas.
Hosted by Michael Hilliard
Latest episodes

8 snips
Jan 9, 2024 • 1h 20min
112 - Russia's Six Fleets: A Sinking Superpower
This podcast explores the challenges faced by Russia's naval forces, including the conflict in Ukraine, budget cuts, and the troubles of their aircraft carrier program. It also discusses the significance of warm water ports, the role of the Pacific Fleet, and the dynamic between Russia's defense minister and President Putin. The podcast raises questions about the future of Russia's navy and the potential impact of emerging challenges.

Dec 26, 2023 • 1h 15min
111 - The Splintering of Sudan
The podcast discusses the escalating civil war in Sudan, fears of state collapse, and the involvement of outside actors. It explores the success of urban warfare in Sudan and the role of regional actors like UAE and Russia. The possibility of intervention and national security concerns are also examined. The neglected crisis in Sudan and the desires of the Sudanese people for a better life are highlighted.

Dec 11, 2023 • 56min
110 - Wargaming: Argentina Reinvades the Falklands
The podcast explores the ongoing conflict between Argentina and the UK over the Falkland Islands, discussing the motivations behind the war and Argentina's military decline. It also examines the resistance to change within the Argentine military, election results in the Falkland Islands, budget cuts in the UK Ministry of Defense, and the unlikelihood of a second invasion. The podcast analyzes the current state of the Argentinian Navy and introduces a new sister channel.

Nov 26, 2023 • 1h 12min
109 - A Second Arab Spring: Imminent or Impossible?
David Schenker, an expert from the Washington Institute, discusses the potential for a second Arab Spring and the tactics used by governments to suppress political movements. The podcast also explores the role of social media, AI, and bot armies in manipulating public opinion, as well as the challenges of democratization in the Middle East.

Nov 13, 2023 • 1h 14min
108 - Extrajudicial Killings and Targeted Assassinations
The podcast discusses the rise of extrajudicial killings and targeted assassinations, exploring their origins, implications, and the lack of consequences faced by governments. It delves into high-profile assassinations, the use of poison as a method of attack, and the involvement of private forces. The podcast also explores the increasing trend of targeted assassinations, the role of intelligence agencies, and the response of the US and Russia. The chapter concludes with acknowledgements and book recommendations for further reading.

Oct 30, 2023 • 1h 8min
107 - The Hollowing of Hong Kong
Explore the erosion of Hong Kong's autonomy, tensions between pro-democracy aspirations and Beijing, and the complexities of illicit financial flows in play. Discuss the decline of Hong Kong as a financial hub and the role of arbitration. Delve into the differences between Hong Kong and China's democratic systems and the issue of money laundering. Express gratitude to guests and staff.

Oct 16, 2023 • 1h 9min
106 - Wargaming: Moldova vs Transnistria
This podcast delves into the territorial dispute between Moldova and Transnistria, discussing the complexities of the situation, the military capabilities of both sides, the struggle for military equipment, the impact of European military shift, and potential outcomes of the conflict.

Oct 2, 2023 • 1h 13min
105 - Iran: Crises on Every Front
Iran faces multifaceted threats from all directions, posing mounting challenges to its national stability. The Iranian military must undergo reforms to avoid being crushed, while tensions in the Caucasus and potential alliances with Russia or China add to the complexity. The podcast explores Iran's strategic priorities, the role of the IRGC, potential US intervention, Iran's evolving foreign policy, Azerbaijan's offensive in Nagorno-Karabakh, economic consequences of Iran's foreign policy, and Iran's military capacity and engagements.

Sep 18, 2023 • 1h 4min
104 - El Salvador: The Price of Security
Once the murder capital of the world, El Salvador finds itself grappling with both gang violence and geopolitical shifts. Between 2013 and 2016, murder rates soared due to gang wars and systemic extortion. President Nayib Bukele, emerging from this tumult, removes the safety catches from the government and actually tackles the issue. However, all of this is coming at a long-term cost. How does Bukele's regional vision mesh with the complexities of Central American geopolitics, and does this new path set Bukele on a collision course with the US? Join us as we dissect El Salvador's evolving position on the world stage. On the panel this week are: - Robert Guest (The Economist) - Nik McNally (The Red Line) - Margaret Myers (Inter-American Dialogue) Intro - 00:00 PART 1 - 02:04 PART 2 - 24:29 PART 3 - 42:59 Outro - 54:44 Follow the show on @TheRedLinePod Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepod For more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 3, 2023 • 1h 24min
103 - Wargaming: India vs Pakistan
Explore the potential conflict between India and Pakistan, including territorial disputes and geopolitical ambitions. Learn about the implications of a war between these nations, from cyber warfare to conventional battles. Discover India's military strategy and recent developments in responding to Pakistan's campaigns. Delve into the geography and challenges along the India-Pakistan border, and explore lessons that India could learn from the war in Ukraine. Discuss India's considerations for war scenarios with Jammu and Kashmir, China, and Pakistan, including the challenges posed by nuclear weapons and logistical burdens.