Facing Coming Storms: Talking International Defence

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.

In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, we explore how the British Army is preparing for growing global threats. I’m joined by Nicholas Drummond, a former Army officer and KNDS defence consultant, straight from the Royal United Services Institute’s Land Warfare Conference. We discuss the Army’s bold plans to double its lethality by 2027 and align with NATO’s focus on countering Russia in Eastern Europe. Key conference themes include fighting smarter, boosting readiness, and strengthening resilience, despite a Strategic Defence Review that sets big goals but delays funding until 2027.We address the Army’s shrinking size, recruitment challenges, and the need for a stronger reserve force. Comparing Britain to Poland’s rocket buildup and Estonia’s bold defence strategies, we look at its role in a divided European defence landscape, with the US urging a focus on Europe over Asia. With honest talk on leadership, technology, and avoiding complacency, this episode reveals the Army’s efforts to adapt to an uncertain future.Key moments02:27 - Themes from RUSI Land Warfare Conference 08:08 - British Army’s Two-Division Strategy 10:09 - NATO’s Third Age and European Focus 24:08 - U.S. Military’s Social Contract 30:10 - Equipment Modernization Needs 37:33 - Cultural Shifts in Military Leadership 39:40 - Importance of NCO Education 47:41 - Autonomous Ground Vehicles 50:34 - Russia’s Internal Dynamics 51:19 - Leadership Longevity Concerns 52:33 - Risks in Eastern Europe 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.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping warfare, and in this episode, we explore its profound implications with Michael Nyberg, a professor at the US Army War College, and Tom Crosby, an associate professor at the Royal Danish Defence College. Tom’s sociological view questions if AI could lead to a “post-human” war, eroding human limits and strengths, while Michael, a historian, sees AI distilling vast archives into actionable insights for leaders. Their insights, shaped by teaching future commanders, spark reflection on AI’s dual nature—amplifying or destabilising conflict.What You’ll LearnAI’s Risks: How non-human actors could redefine war’s escalation.Historical Insight: Using AI to query past conflicts for today’s strategies.Cultural Dynamics: Balancing warrior ethos with modern values in AI’s shadow.Officer Training: Preparing leaders for AI’s opportunities and limits.Both speakers contributed chapters on this topic to CHACR's latest book: Storm Proofing: Preparing Armies for Future War.Key Moments06:08 - Historical Insights via AI10:10 - AI-Driven Targeting in Conflict15:28 - Military Culture and AI Integration19:34 - Engaging Future Military Leaders24:54 - Crafting Effective AI Queries27:27 - AI as a Thinking Tool30:17 - Navigating Rapid Technological Shifts34:35 - AI’s Opportunities and LimitsFacing 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 episode of Facing Coming Storms, Matthew Sperzel and Daniel Shats from the Institute for the Study of War join us to explore rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait. We discuss China’s growing military and diplomatic pressure—daily aerial incursions, coast guard patrols near Taiwan’s islands—and debate if Xi Jinping’s 2027 deadline signals action or posturing.What You’ll LearnChina’s Coercion: How daily military moves pressure Taiwan. Taiwan’s Defence: Asymmetric strategies against a giant. US Ambiguity: The delicate balance of deterrence. Global Stakes: Taiwan’s role in a wider geopolitical storm.Matthew and Daniel’s insights reveal Taiwan as a crucible for our turbulent times.Key moments04:18 - Escalating Chinese Pressure on Taiwan15:25 - Taiwan’s Asymmetric Military Strategy20:14 - U.S. Military Presence in Taiwan29:16 - China’s Blockade Drills and Scenarios42:34 - U.S. Preparations for a Taiwan Conflict51:29 - Hong Kong’s Impact on Taiwanese SentimentFacing 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.

The sky is the new battleground for global powers. In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, aerospace expert Douglas Barry from the International Institute for Strategic Studies joins us to unpack the rapid evolution of military aviation and space. From Ukraine’s drone tactics to China’s space defences and the U.S.’s next-generation fighters, we explore how drones, lasers, and sixth-generation aircraft are reshaping warfare.We dive into escalating costs, the race for air superiority, and the electromagnetic battlefield redefining missions. From fibre-optic drones to space militarization, we examine the toll on soldiers and commanders, plus the human cost.Key moments02:56 - Surge in Aerospace Innovation06:34 - Drone Proliferation and Countermeasures12:01 - Electronic Warfare and Fiber Optics15:14 - Role of Next-Gen Combat Aircraft19:19 - Impact of Space Systems on Warfare23:01 - Airspace Management Complexities26:20 - Recruitment and Retention Issues30:40 - AI-Driven Targeting Revolution34:33 - Performative Strikes and Escalation Risks38:14 - Space Vulnerabilities and Connectivity40:27 - Adapting to Rapid Technological ChangeFacing 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.