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RUSI Journal Radio

Latest episodes

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Mar 24, 2025 • 28min

S5E9: Resistance Networks and Total Defence

British Army officer Major Jon Armstrong discusses how resistance networks are formed and utilised, particularly in the current Russo-Ukraine war. From the makeshift resistance efforts seen in Ukraine to Sweden's carefully structured Total Defence approach, resistance networks can play a crucial role in a country's defence strategy. Armstrong talks about the different elements of resistance activities, focusing on Ukraine, and examines their successes and limitations. He addresses the challenges in controlling these networks, along with the potential post-conflict difficulties of reintegration; warning of the risk of civil strife if such groups are sidelined. As nations plan for future conflicts, Armstrong argues that they must not only build resistance networks, but also integrate them within the broader operational strategy. Jon Armstrong is a British Army officer with over 20 years of experience. His research interests include land operations and irregular warfare. He holds a BA in War Studies and an MA in Military and Security Studies from King's College London. The views expressed in this podcast are the authors', and do not represent those of RUSI or any other institution.
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Mar 10, 2025 • 42min

S5E8: Autonomous Systems and The Future of Warfare

Paddy Walker and Elke Schwarz discuss the operational and ethical implications of autonomous systems in warfare. Paddy and Elke highlight the gap between expectations and reality, arguing that while AI-enabled technologies are often marketed as revolutionary, their real-world effectiveness remains uncertain due to data limitations, technical vulnerabilities and the challenges of human–machine integration. Dr Paddy Walker is an Associate Fellow at RUSI and a Senior Research Fellow at the Humanities Research Institute at the University of Buckingham. His latest book, War Without Oversight, was published in January 2025. Professor Elke Schwarz is Professor of Political Theory at Queen Mary University of London and the author of Death Machines: The Ethics of Violent Technologies.
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Feb 24, 2025 • 24min

S5E7: Resilient Armed Forces

Patrick Bury, Reader in Warfare and Counter-Terrorism at the University of Bath, discusses the trade-offs, policy considerations, and potential solutions shaping the future of national security. With evolving geopolitical tensions, recruitment difficulties, and shifting societal attitudes, the UK armed forces currently face pressing challenges. Patrick explores the key trends shaping UK defence, from NATO’s uncertain future and the UK’s shrinking force size to the future of conscription and the disconnect between the public and the military. Patrick is a Reader in Warfare and Counter-Terrorism at the University of Bath. He has over 20 years’ experience of working in the security sector as a practitioner, analyst and academic, and is a former British Army Captain and NATO analyst.
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Jan 27, 2025 • 35min

S5E6: Changing Power Dynamics in the Indo-Pacific

In this episode, Jamie Gaskarth and Laura Southgate discuss the evolving dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region. They talk about the region's economic importance and growing tensions due, at least in part, to the strained relationship between China and the US. They also discuss the implications for other powers, especially the UK, in seeking to balance security interests in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Jamie is Professor of Foreign Policy and International Relations at the Open University. Laura is Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Aston University.
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Jan 13, 2025 • 49min

S5E5: Mass Casualties, Mental Health and Leadership

In this episode, US and Royal Navy officers examine the mental health challenges experienced by the surviving crew following a mass casualty event. US Navy officer Ryan Easterday and Royal Navy Medical Officer Charlotte Evans use the tragic collision of USS John S McCain in 2017 as a case study to discuss the actions taken to address such mental health challenges. Ryan is an officer in the US Navy and has helped return USS John S McCain to warfighting readiness as Executive Officer and then Commanding Officer from late 2017 until early 2021. Charlotte is a Royal Navy Medical Officer and Consultant Psychiatrist. Related article: Learning From the USS John S McCain Incident | Royal United Services Institute
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Dec 16, 2024 • 30min

S5E4: 2024 in Review: Books, Films and Pop Culture to Help Us Make Sense of the Unexpected

Joined by August Cole, an author known for exploring future conflict through fiction, and David Gioe, a professor specializing in intelligence and international security, the discussion delves into the tumultuous events of 2024. They analyze the impact of disinformation on public perception and advocate for the role of popular culture in fostering critical thinking. The guests also navigate the tricky balance between fiction and reality in spy narratives, while reflecting on the enduring influence of World War II on contemporary storytelling.
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Dec 2, 2024 • 28min

S5E3: The Evolution of Illicit Finance

RUSI researcher Maria Nizzero talks about the growing problem of illicit finance and its shift from a domestic policy issue to a security threat. She explains the process of the securitisation of illicit finance, what it means and the impact and challenges that will arise from it. Maria Nizzero is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Finance and Security at RUSI and was previously Associate Professor of EU Politics and Institutions at the Universitat Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, Spain.
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Nov 18, 2024 • 30min

S5E2: Foreign Influence and its Exploitation of Loneliness

Albin Östervall and Charlotte Wagnsson explain malign information influence and discuss how one key social factor – loneliness – is contributing to its pervasiveness in Western societies. They share why democracies are particularly vulnerable and suggest ways that how governments can mitigate this. Albin Östervall holds an MSc in Political Science from Uppsala University; Charlotte Wagnsson is Professor of Political Science at the Swedish Defence University. Related article: https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/rusi-journal/how-russian-malign-information-influence-exploits-western-loneliness
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14 snips
Nov 4, 2024 • 40min

S5E1: A New Approach to Sabotage

Elena Grossfeld, a PhD candidate researching intelligence organizations, and Magda Long, a Visiting Research Fellow at King's College London, dive into the transformation of Russian sabotage tactics in today's gig-economy. They discuss the recruitment of locals in Europe and ethical contrasts between democratic and authoritarian strategies in covert operations. The conversation also touches on the digital age's impact on sabotage, highlighting how technology drives modern espionage and the vital role of public awareness in national security.
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Jul 23, 2024 • 26min

S4E7: Artificial Intelligence and Wargaming

Major Patrick Hinton, Former Chief of the General Staff's Visiting Fellow at RUSI, sheds light on the transformative power of AI in military wargaming. He discusses how modern AI tools enhance decision-making while retaining the essential human element. The conversation covers innovative data uses, like 3D body scans to preempt training injuries. Hinton also highlights the strategic integration of AI in military procurement, addressing challenges like bias and accountability. His reflections on the evolution of defense technology offer a compelling view of the future.

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