The International Risk Podcast Episode 342: You Can't Kill an Idea: War, Power and 40 Years as a Foreign Correspondent with Humphrey Hawksley
The global landscape feels increasingly unsettled. Conflict in the Middle East, Sudan and Ukraine to wider geoplitical, technological and climatic shifts, the world is going though a period of rapid change. At the same time, the nature of conflict and the way it’s reported has changed dramatically over the past few decades.
So today we’re stepping back to look at the bigger picture: how the global risk landscape has changed, how today’s conflicts compare to those of previous decades, and what today’s crisis might tell us about where things are heading next.
Our guest today is one of the most experienced foreign correspondents in British journalism.
Humphrey Hawksley is an award-winning author, commentator and BBC correspondent whose reporting career has taken him to conflicts and political turning points across the world for more than four decades.
He has reported on the Sri Lankan civil war, on the Yugoslav wars, the War on Terror, the rise of many Asian countries with postings in Hong Kong, the Philippines and India, and he was even tasked with opening the BBC’s first permanent television bureau in Beijing way back in 1994.
Alongside his journalism, Humphrey is the author of several books on global politics and democracy, as well as bestselling political thrillers. He’s also the host of the Democracy Forum debates.
You can find his books here:
Rake Ozenna Series - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G4D7P7NX?tag=uklinktagbk-21&th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true
Future History - Third World War series - https://www.humphreyhawksley.com/future-history/
Asian Waters: The Struggly over the Indo-Pacific and the Challenge of American Power - https://www.humphreyhawksley.com/book/asian-waters/
Democracy Kills: What's so Good about having the Vote? - https://www.humphreyhawksley.com/book/democracy-kills-whats-so-good-about-having-the-vote/
The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you’re a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.
The International Risk Podcast is sponsored by Conducttr, a realistic crisis exercise platform. Conducttr offers crisis exercising software for corporates, consultants, humanitarian, and defence & security clients. Visit Conducttr to learn more.
Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe’s leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe’s leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe’s business leaders.