War Studies
Department of War Studies
Welcome to the War Studies podcast. We bring you world-leading research from the School of Security Studies at King’s College London, the largest community of scholars in the world dedicated to the study of all aspects of security, defence and international relations. We aim to explore the complex realm of conflict and uncover the challenges at the heart of navigating world affairs and diplomatic relations, because we believe the study of war is fundamental to understanding the world we live in and the world we want to live in.
If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, please rate and review us on your preferred podcast provider – it really helps us reach more listeners.
The School of Security Studies harnesses the depth and breadth of expertise across War Studies and Defence Studies to produce world-leading research and teaching on issues of global security that develops new empirical knowledge, employs innovative theory, and addresses vital policy issues.
Visit our website: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/security-studies
Sign up to our mailing list: https://kcl.us15.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=cc0521a63c9b286223dea9d18&id=730233761d
DISCLAIMER: Any information, statements or opinions contained in these podcasts are those of the individual speakers. They do not represent the opinions of the Department of War Studies or King's College London.
If you’ve enjoyed this podcast, please rate and review us on your preferred podcast provider – it really helps us reach more listeners.
The School of Security Studies harnesses the depth and breadth of expertise across War Studies and Defence Studies to produce world-leading research and teaching on issues of global security that develops new empirical knowledge, employs innovative theory, and addresses vital policy issues.
Visit our website: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/security-studies
Sign up to our mailing list: https://kcl.us15.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=cc0521a63c9b286223dea9d18&id=730233761d
DISCLAIMER: Any information, statements or opinions contained in these podcasts are those of the individual speakers. They do not represent the opinions of the Department of War Studies or King's College London.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 26, 2026 • 1h 26min
War Stories, Episode 1: A British Infantry Officer in Afghanistan, 2007
In the inaugural edition of the War Studies War Stories podcast series, hosted by King’s alumni Rupert Lane and Nick Denning (War Studies, 2002-2005), Ru and Nick briefly explain what they’re looking to achieve in this series, through the use of King’s own unique resource - its alumni and their experience of war (built on King’s War Studies ‘Experience of War’ module).
Ru and Nick then take a deep dive into the life of a Platoon Commander in the high intensity counter-insurgency conflict in Helmand, Afghanistan, 2007, through the eyes of co-host Nick’s own experiences, serving with the Royal Anglian Regiment in Nowzad.
Ru delves into the challenges Nick’s unit faced fighting the Taliban in the Afghan summer covering the experience of warfare, through tactics, morale and combat, working in a hostile environment with a civilian population just trying to survive.
Further Reading
• News clip: https://youtu.be/hTH0yMuc3pQ?si=c2jC_nz2vF6Ck4_v
• Press: https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/aug/05/military.afghanistan
• Podcast 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/961057/episodes/16085942-afghanistan-nick-denning-royal-anglian-regiment-you-want-to-feel-worn-in-and-seasoned-and-up-to-speed-as-quickly-as-you-can
• Podcast 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nick-denning-captain-royal-anglian-regiment/id1799202777?i=1000710546820
Mar 11, 2026 • 50min
The Helsinki Brief, Episode 2: Intelligence Culture in Finland
In the second episode of The Helsinki Brief: Inside Finnish Intelligence and Security, the focus is on intelligence culture in Finland, explored within the wider context of the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service (Supo) and how it operates.
Dr Paul McGarr of King’s College London is joined by Hannamiina Tanninen, an analyst at the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service, to discuss the evolution of Finland’s intelligence culture, Supo’s role within the national security framework, and how intelligence practices have adapted to contemporary security challenges.
Feb 25, 2026 • 60min
Leadership in a divided world
Michael Shipler, VP of Leadership Development & Partnerships at Search for Common Ground, draws on decades in peacebuilding and youth leadership. He discusses bringing divided communities together. Topics include moral injury, using art and media to shift social norms, youth-led media, rebuilding institutional legitimacy, and training leaders across different forms of power.
Feb 3, 2026 • 30min
Does the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank pose a threat to long-term peace for Palestine and Israel?
Dr Nils Mallock joins Dr Rajan Basra to discuss his research on the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and the effect their presence has on political protest behaviour. These settlements are widely considered to be illegal under international law, but successive Israeli governments have allowed them to grow, and expansion has accelerated following Hamas' attack on 7th October 2023.
In this episode, Dr Mallock explores how the presence of settlements can fuel cycles of reciprocal violence, the way in which they complicate the geographical layout of a two-state solution, and what continued expansion means for the long-term future of Palestine and Israel.
Read Nils’ journal article, ‘Proximity to settlements in the West Bank shifts protest behaviour toward higher-risk actions and increases perceived collective injustice’, here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pops.70068
This episode has been produced as part of the Cross-Border Conflict Evidence, Policy and Trends (XCEPT) programme. XCEPT aims to understand the drivers of violent and peaceful behaviour in conflict-affected populations – and to find solutions that support peace. Find out more at www.xcept-research.org
Jan 6, 2026 • 48min
24 Hours at the Capitol: Nora Neus on January 6, the Far Right and American Nationalism
In this episode, Dr Pablo de Orellana, Senior Lecturer in International Relations, is joined by journalist and Emmy-nominated producer Nora Neus to discuss her book "24 Hours at the Capitol: An Oral History of the January 6th Insurrection".
Drawing on hundreds of interviews and primary sources, Neus reconstructs the “minute-by-minute” experience of 6 January 2021 – from elected officials to frontline staff – and argues the attack cannot be understood as a one-off event, but as the culmination of a longer movement that gathered momentum after Charlottesville and accelerated through the pandemic era.
Their conversation explores how far-right coalitions form and fragment; the role of social media platforms and online ecosystems in mobilisation; and the political power of mythic nationalism – from “1776” iconography to competing claims about American exceptionalism. They also examine the wider relationship between ethnic nationalism and religion, as well as the implications for future episodes of political instability.
6 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 49min
The Helsinki Brief: Inside Finnish Intelligence and Security
Hannamiina Tanninen, an analyst at Finland's Security and Intelligence Service (SUPO) and a PhD researcher, takes us deep into the realm of Finnish intelligence. She discusses SUPO's unique blend of civil and military intelligence, revealing its core functions in counterterrorism and cyber security. Tanninen emphasizes the importance of public trust and the challenges of revealing intelligence work while highlighting Russia and China's cyber threats. She also shares insights on workforce diversity and the role of popular culture in shaping perceptions of intelligence work.
Nov 28, 2025 • 45min
Victim-centred peacemaking: How victim inclusion shaped Colombia’s Santos-FARC peace process
In this episode, Professor Roddy Brett, Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies and Director of the Global Insecurities Centre at the University of Bristol, joins Dr Nafees Hamid, Co-PI of the XCEPT research programme, to discuss his new book, ‘Victim-Centred Peacemaking: Colombia's Santos-FARC-EP Peace Process’.
Professor Brett reveals how the victims’ delegations changed the dynamics of the Santos-FARC-EP peace process, transforming victim-perpetrator relations and ultimately shaping the final agreement, which was signed in 2016. At a time when the number of civilian casualties in armed conflict is rising around the world, the Santos-FARC example offers valuable insights into how to effectively involve victims in peacemaking.
Professor Brett’s book is available from Bristol University Press:
https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/victim-centred-peacemaking
This episode has been produced as part of the Cross-Border Conflict Evidence, Policy and Trends (XCEPT) programme, which is funded by UK International Development from the UK government; however, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.
XCEPT aims to understand the drivers of violent and peaceful behaviour in conflict-affected populations – and to find solutions that support peace.
Find out more at www.xcept-research.org
Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 11min
A Risk Too Far: The Psychology Behind Operation Market Garden
In this episode, Dr Gary Buck, author of A Risk Too Far: A Psychological Autopsy of the Planning for Arnhem, joins Dr Huw Dylan to explore the human factors behind one of WWII’s most daring operations. Drawing on his expertise in operational psychology, Dr Buck reveals how stress, ambition and personality shaped the decisions of commanders like Montgomery, Browning and Urquhart during Operation Market Garden.
Through this psychological lens, the episode uncovers how bias, rivalry and pressure influenced Allied command—and how the mind can be as decisive a battlefield as any fought on land or air.
Oct 1, 2025 • 46min
Inside cyberwarfare: Navigating the digital battlefield
Dr. Tim Stevens, a Reader in international security at King's College London's Department of War Studies, dives into the complexities of cyber warfare. He dissects the evolving nature of digital conflicts and the challenges of defining cyber warfare. Stevens reveals how states and non-state actors exploit digital systems, impacting everyday life and critical infrastructure. He highlights ethical dilemmas and international regulatory gaps, stressing the societal need to address vulnerabilities in our interconnected world.
Aug 28, 2025 • 47min
The untold story of Chinese naval officers in D-Day
In this episode, Professor Andrew Lambert FKC, Laughton Professor of Naval History, Geoff Browell, Head of Heritage Collections, and Angus Hui, curator of the D-Day Hong Kong, explore the untold story of 24 Chinese naval officers who trained with the Royal Navy during World War II and took part in the D-Day landings.
Angus discusses the fascinating discovery of a personal diary from one of these officers, providing a rare, first-hand account of their training, military operations and experiences.
The episode also delves into the broader historical context of China’s naval rebuilding efforts during the war, the officers' contributions and their post-war journeys. This conversation sheds light on an important yet often overlooked chapter of naval history and World War II.
You can find more information about the exhibition here:
https://www.kcl.ac.uk/events/lost-found-in-hong-kong-the-unsung-chinese-heroes-at-d-day
