Discussion points include:

- Why You Can’t Bomb Your Way to Victory: Tactical success means little without a clear strategy or political endgame to back it up.

- The Shift from Alliances to Fragile Coalitions: Long-standing global alliances are being tested, replaced by more fluid and uncertain partnerships.

- Modern War Is Faster, Messier, and Less Predictable: From drones to disrupted supply chains, today’s conflicts evolve in ways no war game fully captures.

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.

Following the fallout of January's Greenland row, we are looking at the complex role of the US – now watched uneasily by many on the continent, but still at the centre of military planning. We look at institutional and geographic challenges, politics, supply chains and logistics – and what nations really need to do to keep the peace in Europe.

What We Explore

- Trump 2.0's NATO Shock: How a second term could force Europe to step up on defence spending and capabilities and the risks if we don't.

- Hybrid Threats Evolving: Russia's info ops and China's subtle influence - why the alliance needs a unified playbook to counter them.

- Deterrence Reimagined: Why NATO's future hinges on credible threats, stronger partnerships, and learning from Ukraine's fight.

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.

In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, I bring together Major General Andrew Sharpe (Director of CHACR), Colonel Mietta Groeneveld (Director of the NATO Command & Control Centre of Excellence), and Professor Nikolas Gvosdev (U.S. Naval War College) for a look at hybrid warfare today: Russia’s evolving playbook, China’s patient influence ops, and why the West’s responses still feel one step behind.

We dig into disinformation, cyber disruption, economic coercion, and the quiet power shifts happening far from any battlefield.

What We Explore

- Russia’s Hybrid Evolution: How Moscow blends kinetic force with info ops and disruption and why NATO’s coordination still struggles to keep pace.

- China’s Long Game: The subtler, multi-domain strategy Beijing uses to reshape perceptions and alliances without ever firing a shot.

- Grey-Zone Deterrence: What it really takes to rebuild credibility when adversaries probe limits every day.

This conversation is a sharp reminder: the next big conflict won’t start with tanks rolling – it’s already underway in the spaces between war and peace.

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.

In this Christmas episode of Facing Coming Storms, we step slightly sideways from our usual focus on geopolitics and defence technology to explore war movies and popular culture and what they reveal about society’s relationship with conflict.

We’re joined by Robert Hutton and Duncan Weldon from the War Movie Theatre podcast, alongside Patrick Bury, former British Army officer and now Professor of National Security Studies. Together, we talk about the films we grew up with, the ones that still resonate, and the striking absence or difficulty of telling stories about more recent wars.

What We Explore 

- Why War Movies Matter: We reflect on how war films act as a cultural classroom - teaching generations what courage, leadership, sacrifice and loyalty are supposed to look like.

- Generations, Memory and Distance: We compare how different generations encountered war through cinema - from Second World War films shown on Sunday afternoons, to Vietnam-era classics, to the far thinner cultural record of Iraq and Afghanistan.

- Action Films vs War Films: We draw a clear distinction between spectacle and substance, asking why the most enduring war films are rarely about explosions and almost always about people under pressure.

- Failure, Defeat and Groupthink: From A Bridge Too Far to Kajaki, we explore why some of the most powerful war films are about mistakes, moral ambiguity and institutional failure and what they teach us about leadership and decision-making.

- Modern Wars and the Storytelling Gap: We ask why Iraq and Afghanistan have produced relatively little mainstream cinema, and whether proximity, political discomfort, or unresolved outcomes make these conflicts harder to process.

- War, Preparation and Deterrence: The conversation widens to the present day - how societies prepare for conflict, why deterrence depends on credibility, and why the goal of preparation is often to ensure war never happens at all.

- Culture, Identity and the Information Space: We reflect on how narratives, myths and memory interact with today’s information environment and why misremembering past wars can be as dangerous as forgetting them.

As we close, one theme keeps resurfacing: war stories endure because they are never just about war. They are about character, pressure, loss, loyalty, and the choices people make when there are no good options left.

In a moment where the idea of conflict feels uncomfortably close again, these stories remind us that preparedness is not bravado, and reflection is not weakness. Understanding how we’ve told these stories before may be one of the ways we avoid having to live them again.

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.

In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, we are joined by Eva Sula, Estonian defence advisor and mentor at NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator (DIANA), and Robert Fetters, former U.S. Army paratrooper and special operations officer now working in defence technology. Together, we explore how defence innovation is colliding with institutional barriers and what that means for NATO, Europe, and the future battlefield.

What We Explore

- Why Ukraine Changed Everything: We reflect on how the war in Ukraine has redefined innovation cycles, battlefield learning, and the brutal reality of contested environments and why lessons from even last year are already outdated.

- Estonia’s Frontline Perspective: Eva shares how Estonia’s history, geography and digital-first mindset have shaped its defence posture, innovation culture, and sense of urgency and why small countries often adapt faster than large alliances.

- Drones, AI and the Pace of War: We examine why drones dominate modern conflict, why counter-drone systems struggle to keep up, and how AI is being applied unevenly across defence - often more in PowerPoint than in practice.

- Procurement vs Reality: Robert explains the gap between what operators need and what procurement systems deliver, including how budgets, incentives and bureaucracy lead to duplicated effort, wasted money, and capabilities that never reach the field.

- Training for the Wrong War: We question whether conventional forces are still being trained for a battlefield that no longer exists and why a special operations mindset is becoming essential for all units.

- Collaboration as Deterrence: We return again and again to the same conclusion: real deterrence comes not from isolated innovation, but from genuine collaboration - across borders, services, industries and institutional barriers And it’s never easy 

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.

We explore the thinking that led President Zelenskyy to create the Unmanned Systems Forces as Ukraine’s fourth armed service, the impact that has had on wider existing frontline forces and the future of “drone blitzkrieg" in which an overwhelming assault of unmanned systems might deliver history.

What You’ll Learn

- Drone Blitzkrieg Defined: How cheap, massed drones have replaced traditional artillery and armour as the new kings of the battlefield.

- Birth of a New Military Branch: The inside story of the paper Illya wrote that convinced Zelenskyy to spin drones out into their own service (and why traditional commanders are furious). 

- The China Dependency Crisis: If the next war cuts Western supply lines, Russia keeps flying while NATO stalls - unless we act now.

Illya Sekirin isn’t just watching the drone revolution - he’s one of the people who built it. His book Rise of the Machines – Drone Warfare in the Russia-Ukraine War: Tactics, Operations, Strategy is out in January.

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.

Peter Apps reunites with Samir Puri, Director of the Centre for Global Governance and Security at Chatham House. From Trump’s transactional peace pushes to China’s mineral land-grab and the growing power of emerging middle powers, they map a world where old empires fade and new ones rise - often in the same contested spaces.

What You’ll Learn

- The Middle-Power Free-for-All: Why countries from Indonesia to Kazakhstan now hedge between Washington, Beijing, and Moscow and what that means for tomorrow’s battlefields.

- The Real New Scramble: It’s not colonies this time; it’s lithium, cobalt, rare earths, Arctic shipping lanes, and the infrastructure deals that lock in influence for decades.

- Climate + Tech + Geopolitics: The triple storm quietly redrawing the global map faster than any single war ever could.

Samir Puri’s big-picture clarity cuts through the noise: we’re not sliding into a new Cold War - we’re stumbling into a hotter, messier, multipolar scramble where everyone wants a seat at a table that keeps getting bigger and less predictable.

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.

What You’ll Learn

- Importance of Training: How rigourous and challenging training can both deliver the instincts to survive in challenging crises, while also building the flexibility to adapt when situations change. 

- Stress and Snap Decisions: Why fatigue and cognitive biases turn even trained leaders into high-stakes gamblers and the lessons from history that keep repeating in today’s battlefields. 

- Tech Changes, Humans Remain: Drones and AI walls may redefine tactics, but the unpredictable human element – shaped by our our neurology – remains a solid constant. 

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.

In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps convenes experts from the Institute for the Study of War - George Barros (Russia & GEOINT Team Lead) on Moscow's grinding push toward Pokrovsk, Matthew Sperzel and Daniel Shats (China Analysts) on Beijing's intensifying grey-zone pressure around Taiwan. They explore Russian tactical gains amid Ukrainian shortages, China's blockade rehearsals, and the dangerous interplay between these crises as Western resolve wavers.

What You’ll Learn

- Pokrovsk Under Threat: Russia's assaults exploit Ukrainian manpower and munitions gaps, risking a key logistical hub just as corruption crisis hits the Kyiv government.

- China's Creeping Coercion: Escalating patrols, simulated blockades, and military pressure are designed to isolate Taiwan and influences politics without firing a shot.

- Linked Destinies: How weakness in Europe signals opportunity in Asia, underscoring the need for unified deterrence against coordinated authoritarian revisionism.

This exchange is a stark reminder that today’s battles are fought on parallel fronts and the outcome in one may well decide the fate of the other.

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.

In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps speaks with Matthew Savill, Director of Military Sciences at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), about his two decades in the MOD - from Iraq intelligence to Ukraine support and the evolving US-UK relationship amid Trump's return. They discuss hybrid threats, rapid tech shifts in Ukraine, procurement pitfalls, and Europe's uneven readiness for escalating conflicts.

What You’ll Learn

- US-UK Dynamics: How unpredictability in US policy challenges shared interests, from deterrence ambiguity to public spats on defence spending.

- Ukraine's Tech Battlefield: The interplay of drones, electronic warfare, and tactics reshaping combined arms, with lessons from rapid iteration amid industrial-scale losses.

- UK Defence Realities: Why procurement delays, force specialisation, and whole-of-society readiness must evolve to deliver coherent power beyond small-scale contributions.

Matthew’s insights underscore that in a world of rising confrontations, honest self-assessment and swift adaptation aren't optional - they're the keys to credible deterrence.

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.

In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps is joined by Simon Paterson, former British Army Intelligence officer and head of strategic partnerships at Boon Global, and Margot Fulde-Hardy, investigator at Graphika and ex-French government official. Together, they unpack the evolving world of information operations - from Russia’s hybrid tactics post-Crimea to China’s sophisticated influence campaigns - exploring how AI, social media, and state actors are reshaping global narratives, sowing division, and challenging democracies.

What You’ll Learn

The AI Supercharge: How large language models and autonomous tools are amplifying disinformation volume and sophistication, from poisoning narratives to fully automated campaigns.

State Actor Playbooks: Insights into Russia’s aggressive hybrid warfare and China’s subtler, network-driven approaches targeting diaspora communities and global perceptions.

Building Defences: Why cross-sector partnerships, rapid fact-checking, and societal resilience are key to countering manipulation without eroding free speech.

This conversation highlights that in an era of cognitive warfare, awareness and collaboration aren’t just tools, they’re essential shields for safeguarding truth and stability.

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.

In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Pete Apps sits down with Nikolas Gvosdev, Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and Professor of National Security Studies at the U.S. Naval War College, to unpack the geopolitical and strategic turbulence surrounding the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.

From unpaid federal workers to the future of American global posture, they explore how domestic political deadlock collides with an increasingly unpredictable international landscape. Nikolas sheds light on how this uncertainty ripples across alliances, procurement, and operations from the Caribbean to Eastern Europe and why questions about U.S. reliability are reshaping how friends and rivals alike see America’s role in the world.

What You’ll Learn

Shutdown Shockwaves: How a lapse in funding disrupts U.S. military operations, civilian workforces, and global confidence.

Strategic Drift: Why political instability is creating unpredictable shifts in U.S. defence posture and alliance planning.

New Power Models: How Washington’s turn towards private-sector security and external funding could reshape future military commitments.

This episode is a reminder that strategy doesn’t exist in a vacuum - it’s forged in the space between politics, power, and perception.

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.

In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps is joined by Dr Peter Layton, retired Royal Australian Air Force officer and visiting fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute, to unpack how changing power dynamics are reshaping security in the Indo-Pacific.

From China’s rapid military expansion and the future of Taiwan, to the evolving roles of Australia, the US, and regional players like Japan, India, and Southeast Asia, together they explore the tensions, alliances, and strategic calculations shaping the decade ahead.

What You’ll Learn

Strategic Shifts: How alliances, basing decisions, and military postures are changing across the Indo-Pacific.

Economic Power Plays: Why China’s manufacturing strength and strategic signalling are as influential as its military might.

Uncertain Futures: How regional hedging, accidental escalation, and innovation will shape how nations respond to rising tensions.

This conversation is a timely reminder that the future of global security may be decided far from Europe’s borders. Understanding the dynamics of the Indo-Pacific is no longer optional, it’s essential.

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.

In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps sits down with Ben Barry - Senior Fellow for Defence and Military Analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies and author of The Rise and Fall of the British Army, 1975–2025 for a sweeping conversation charting five turbulent decades of British military history.

From Cold War tank battles and the Falklands to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the modern NATO front line, they trace how the British Army has evolved, adapted, and in some ways, struggled to keep pace with the world it’s meant to protect against.

What You’ll Learn

Past Lessons, Future Fights: How the Cold War, Falklands, and Gulf War shaped the Army’s doctrine and what those lessons mean for today’s threats.

Culture & Capability: Why the shrinking size of the force has widened the gap between the Army and the society it serves, and why that matters for modern warfare.

Strategic Realities: The hard truths behind NATO’s Strategic Reserve Corps role and the logistics, readiness, and ambition it demands.

This episode is a powerful reminder that military capability isn’t just about equipment or numbers - it’s about mindset, memory, and preparation. Ben shows us why understanding the past isn’t nostalgia, i’s strategy.

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.

In this live edition of Facing Coming Storms, recorded at the Hereford Military History Festival, Pete Apps is joined by two leading voices on conflict: Sir Antony Beevor, Britain’s most acclaimed military historian, and Patrick Bury, former Royal Irish Regiment officer and security lecturer at the University of Bath. Together, they explore how the character of war is shifting - from the trenches of history to the drone-filled skies of today.

The discussion ranges from the lessons of Stalingrad and the Second World War to the realities of Ukraine and beyond. Along the way, they tackle the rise of AI and autonomous weapons, the brutality of state-on-state fighting, and the question of how democratic societies can mobilise for conflict in an age of disinformation and division.

What You’ll Learn

- History’s Lessons: Why the past never repeats neatly - but still offers vital warnings for the present.

- Technology and Warfare: How drones, AI, and modern weapons are changing the battlefield in unexpected ways.

- Resilience and Society: What it takes for nations to prepare, mobilise, and endure in times of war.

This thought-provoking conversation reminds us that while the tools of war may change, its human costs remain constant. It’s a call to understand the storms gathering on the horizon and to think seriously about how we face them.

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.

In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps speaks with Admiral Nils Wang - former head of the Danish Navy and Danish Defence College, now senior naval advisor and defence industry board member about the future of maritime warfare in an era defined by drones, AI, and hybrid threats.

Together, they explore how unmanned systems are reshaping naval power, why Europe faces a shipbuilding crisis, and what Denmark's position between the North Sea and Baltic reveals about the challenges ahead. From the Arctic to the North Atlantic, Admiral Wang explains why navies must rethink force structure, embrace AI-supported surveillance, and adapt doctrine to a new tempo of conflict.

What You'll Learn

- Unmanned at Sea: Why drones and AI are as disruptive as the missile revolution of the 1960s.

- Industrial Deterrence: How shipbuilding and missile production bottlenecks threaten Western resilience.

- Future of Navies: Why numbers, adaptability, and young innovators will define the next decade.

Admiral Wang's insights remind us that the coming storms at sea will demand not just powerful ships, but new ways of thinking, producing, and leading.

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.

In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, we welcome back Sten Rynning, Professor of War Studies at the Danish Institute for Advanced Studies and lecturer at the NATO Defence College. Author of NATO: From Cold War to Ukraine, Sten returns to unpack the turbulence shaking the alliance as the Trump administration redefines transatlantic security.

From drone incursions into Polish airspace to NATO's shifting command structures, we explore how the U.S. is pulling back from conventional defence, doubling down on nuclear control, and leaving Europeans to fill the gap. Sten explains the rise of "mini-lateral" coalitions, the dangers of de-institutionalisation, and the growing unpredictability of both Russian provocations and Western political shifts.

What You'll Learn

- US-NATO Tensions: Why America's "tough love" approach risks weakening alliance cohesion.

- European Security Shifts: How regional coalitions and defence spending are reshaping the balance.

- Future Risks: What Russian provocations, far-right politics, and China mean for Europe's stability.

Sten's insights remind us that NATO's strength has always come from unity and that preserving it in an era of uncertainty may be the hardest challenge yet.

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.

In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps is joined by Bob Seely, former Member of Parliament, reservist and author of The New Total War. Drawing on his unique background and family legacy, Bob shares how the war in Ukraine is reshaping modern conflict and what it reveals about Russia's strategy, from the battlefield to political warfare.

We discuss the rapid evolution of drone technology, why Ukraine has become the crucible of 21st-century ground warfare, and how the West risks falling behind in both readiness and resilience. Bob also explains how Russia's approach blends military and non-military tools-from propaganda to cyber operations-into a single, integrated form of warfare, and what that means for NATO, Eastern Europe, and the global balance of power.

What You'll Learn

- Modern Warfare Lessons: Why Ukraine and Russia are redefining ground tactics for the drone age.

- Russia's Strategy: How Moscow combines military force with political, economic, and information warfare.

- Global Implications: What this conflict means for NATO, Eastern Europe, and the risks of wider escalation.

Bob's insights remind us that Ukraine is not just fighting for its survival-it is showing the world the future of warfare, and the urgent need for us to be ready.

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.

In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps is joined by James Black, Deputy Director at RAND Europe and an expert in strategic competition and emerging technologies. Together, they explore the transformative power of defence technology, its profound implications for global security and industry, and key lessons from history, with a spotlight on the DSEI showcase - a premier event for defence industry leaders.

What You'll Discover

- Technological Innovation: How soldiers and strategists can leverage AI, drones, and other breakthroughs to drive defence advancements.

- Alliance Building: Why strengthening coalitions is critical to countering authoritarian advantages during peacetime.

- Deterrence Strategies: How coordinated, resilient responses can prevent conflicts and enhance global stability.

We dive into military applications, tackle procurement challenges, and analyse industrial dynamics, revealing how democracies can harness alliances for robust deterrence. James' insights provide strategic clarity, empowering listeners to navigate future challenges and foster global collaboration.

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.

We explore non-strategic nuclear weapons, escalation scenarios involving Russia and China, NATO's role, and US deterrence strategies, drawing from their report on learning to navigate the bomb.

What You'll Learn

- Deterrence Dynamics: Grasp how non-strategic weapons influence limited conflicts to inform strategic planning.

- Escalation Risks: Recognise thresholds in Russian and Chinese doctrines to anticipate potential nuclear use.

- Policy Preparedness: Evaluate NATO's vulnerabilities and advocate for robust responses to emerging threats.

We discuss real-world implications like Russia's aerospace attacks, China's hypersonic capabilities, and the need for credible US deterrence, including insights from historical contexts like the siege of Leningrad. Practical tips include fostering international dialogue and enhancing allied coordination for stronger security.

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.

What You’ll Learn

- Xi's Formative Influences: Grasp how his father's Red Army legacy and personal hardships forged a leader focused on discipline and national revival.

- Taiwan Risks: Assess the calculated path to potential conflict by 2027, balancing military readiness with political caution.

- Succession Scenarios: Prepare for a shift to collective leadership post-Xi, potentially easing tensions and opening reform paths.

We discuss Xi's purge of rivals, his emphasis on consensus in decision-making, and the evolution of China's governance from Mao's era to today. For defence professionals, it's a toolkit for understanding adversary mindsets and anticipating strategic moves.

Key Moments

2:10 - The Rise of Xi Jinping

4:35 - Impact of the Cultural Revolution

9:05 - The Complexities of Taiwan

14:03 - Taiwan's Independence and China's Stance

19:20 - Understanding Chinese Military Structure

25:04 - The Stakes of Potential Conflict

28:38 - The Role of the U.S. in Taiwan

32:21 - The China-Russia Relationship

35:25 - Historical Grievances and Alliances

40:06 - Benefits of the Ukraine War for China

43:27 - Xi Jinping's Approach to U.S. Relations

55:14 - Future Leadership in China

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.

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 moments

3:05 - Middle East Dynamics

5:31 - The Israeli-Iranian Conflict Unfolds

8:19 - Complex Interests of Regional Players

10:38 - Media Narratives and Public Sentiment

12:53 - U.S. Military Strategy and Iran

16:42 - The Trump Doctrine in the Middle East

22:16 - Challenges of Conflict Resolution

24:04 - The U.S. Position in the Region

25:41 - Unmanned Systems and Future Warfare

29:36 - Turkey's Evolving Role and Interests

34:38 - Israel's Strikes and Syrian Dynamics

38:58 - Regional Power Plays and Expansion

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.

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 moments

1:45 - Non-Contact Warfare Explained

6:54 - Military Evolution Post-1999

9:49 - Modern PLA vs. Russian Military

16:09 - Chinese Perspectives on Taiwan Conflict

30:05 - Internal Military Cultures

33:24 - Planning and Execution Challenges

42:12 - Future Directions for the PLA

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.

We discuss how shrinking militaries and reliance on technology impact risk and decision-making, emphasising the need to preserve primary sources to prepare for future conflicts.

Key moments

1:11 - The Battle Research Group

7:37 - Tactical Level Studies

14:12 - Adaptability in Military Culture

16:23 - Evolving Military Forces

19:12 - The Role of Leadership

20:57 - Understanding Civilian Perspectives

32:54 - Civilian Impact in Warfare

34:46 - Fighting in Industrialized Cities

39:42 - Knowledge Gaps in Military History

40:26 - The Character of War

48:16 - The Need for Accurate Recordkeeping

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.

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 moments

1:43 - US Defence Shifts and European Implications

2:31 - The European Defence Industrial Landscape

7:48 - Spending Boosts and National Ambitions

10:34 - Germany's Defence Spending Dilemma

13:49 - The Turning Point: Ukraine's Impact

17:47 - Future Technologies and Defence Strategies

22:52 - Industrial Base Challenges in Defence

34:58 - Innovations in Defence Manufacturing

38:26 - Economic Growth and Defence Spending

44:38 - The 1.5% Defence Spending Question

48:27 - The Complexity of Defence Budgets

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.

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 moments

02:08 - Uncertainty in U.S. National Security Decisions

09:58 - Crisis Response and Resource Constraints

16:01 - European Allies’ Role in Ukraine

24:53 - Russian Long-Term Struggle Narrative

33:35 - Potential Tensions in Administration

41:51 - Complexities in European Deterrence

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.

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 moments

09:39 - Probing Air Defences Globally

19:42 - Strategic Impact of Spiderweb Operation

25:00 - AI-Driven Targeting Capabilities

36:03 - Targeting Key Personnel in Conflicts

37:29 - Defining Modern Warfare

39:31 - Russia’s Potential for Limited Wars

41:22 - Vulnerability to Stealth Strikes

43:12 - Chinese Concerns Over Penetration

43:29 - NATO’s Air Power Limitations

45:56 - Munitions and Sustainability Issues

53:12 - Drone Threats to Defences

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.

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 moments

02:27 - 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.

What You’ll Learn

• AI’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 Moments

06:08 - Historical Insights via AI

10:10 - AI-Driven Targeting in Conflict

15:28 - Military Culture and AI Integration

19:34 - Engaging Future Military Leaders

24:54 - Crafting Effective AI Queries

27:27 - AI as a Thinking Tool

30:17 - Navigating Rapid Technological Shifts

34:35 - AI’s Opportunities and Limits

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.

What You’ll Learn

• China’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 moments

04:18 - Escalating Chinese Pressure on Taiwan

15:25 - Taiwan’s Asymmetric Military Strategy

20:14 - U.S. Military Presence in Taiwan

29:16 - China’s Blockade Drills and Scenarios

42:34 - U.S. Preparations for a Taiwan Conflict

51:29 - Hong Kong’s Impact on Taiwanese Sentiment

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.

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 moments

• 02:56 - Surge in Aerospace Innovation
• 06:34 - Drone Proliferation and Countermeasures
• 12:01 - Electronic Warfare and Fiber Optics
• 15:14 - Role of Next-Gen Combat Aircraft
• 19:19 - Impact of Space Systems on Warfare
• 23:01 - Airspace Management Complexities
• 26:20 - Recruitment and Retention Issues
• 30:40 - AI-Driven Targeting Revolution
• 34:33 - Performative Strikes and Escalation Risks
• 38:14 - Space Vulnerabilities and Connectivity
• 40:27 - Adapting to Rapid Technological Change

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.

Puri argues that navigating this fragmented world demands cultural fluency as much as strategic muscle—vital for military, policy, and business leaders alike. With Ukraine’s war, China’s economic sway, and the UAE’s multi-alignment reshaping power, we explore how to thrive in a chaotic, multipolar future.

Key moments

• 03:32 - Evolution of the Global South's Role
• 11:50 - Emerging Powers and Autonomous Strategies
• 23:33 - Southeast Asia's Multi-Alignment Approach
• 33:06 - Russia's Asian Pivot and Sanctions
• 35:49 - Engaging the Global South Militarily
• 43:23 - India's Strategic Multi-Alignment
• 50:33 - Optimism Amid a Multipolar Transition

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.

Gvosdev reveals how drones sinking ships expose Western military gaps, unprepared for long wars. We probe nuclear powers clashing indirectly and societies’ readiness for mass casualties. From White House de-escalation to tariff-hit economies, this episode unpacks a world teetering between posturing and disaster—a must for grasping today’s unstable global order.

Key moments

• 07:25 - Balancing Military Will and Resource Constraints
• 13:21 - Lessons from Prolonged Conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza
• 17:50 - Evolving Norms of Nuclear Powers in Conflict
• 21:46 - Societal Tolerance for Casualties in Modern Warfare
• 30:36 - Global Economic Impacts on Conflict Dynamics
• 35:12 - De-escalation Strategies in a Multipolar World
• 43:12 - Cultural Influences on Military Preparedness

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.

Drawing from Storm Proofing, we explore the 2020s, where AI, drones, and edge computing reshape warfare—from Ukraine’s drone units to US Navy’s Gulf patrols. Leo unpacks the human side of autonomous systems; JP examines organizing soldiers for all-domain operations, blending instincts with tech. This episode tackles 21st-century conflict.

Key moments

• 3:54 - The Rise of AI in Military Operations
• 7:23 - Integration Challenges in Modern Warfare
• 9:51 - Balancing Tradition and Technology
• 18:46 - Navigating Organisational Tensions
• 27:35 - The Complexity of International Alliances
• 45:08 - Preparing for Uncertain Futures
• 56:13 - Reflections on Military Evolution

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.

Anna-Joy asks tough questions about NATO’s strength, rising isolationism, and the future of tech in warfare. Can Europe step up as the US looks to Asia? Is Taiwan’s 2027 deadline trouble? What’s J.D. Vance’s role in all this? It’s a clear, honest look at a world in turmoil —great for anyone wanting to understand what’s driving us toward calm or chaos.

Key moments

• 1:54 - US Global Threats Perspective
• 14:09 - Shifts in Global Alliances
• 22:35 - Taiwan's Risk Assessment
• 31:33 - Technology's Impact on Warfare
• 40:29 - The Future of NATO

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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.

From Germany’s stark post-World War II reset, where deterrence became key, to the blurred outcomes of Iraq and Afghanistan, we explore why victory often feels like a mirage. Ukraine’s war, rooted in centuries-old tensions, reminds us that some conflicts don’t resolve—they merely pause. In this episode, our discussion challenges us to rethink what peace means when history keeps resurfacing, demanding we confront the past’s enduring grip.

Key moments

• 05:32 - Clausewitzian Insights on War and Policy
• 13:25 - German Perspectives on Post-War Reconciliation
• 21:20 - Defining War vs. Conflict in Modern Context
• 35:09 - Challenges of Ending Modern Wars of Choice
• 46:22 - Rebuilding Societies After Conflict
• 56:49 - Ukraine and the Complexity of Ceasefires
• 01:04:01 - National Interests and Utopianism in Global Conflicts

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.

We uncover the gritty truth of crisis leadership—creaking systems, gut-wrenching calls, and the razor’s edge of slashing red tape without sparking chaos. From D.C. to Tallinn to Brussels, it’s a no-filter take on uncertainty, rigid institutions, and humility as our last stand.

Key moments

• 10:51 - Military Perspectives on Governance
• 15:20 - The Balance of Military and Civilian Roles
• 22:27 - Navigating Bureaucracy in Government
• 40:40 - Power Dynamics and Insecurity in Washington
• 45:03 - Understanding Context in Global Governance
• 53:41 - Hope and Challenges in Military Reform

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.

Joined by Oliver Moody, Liis Mure, Aliide Naylor, and George Barros, we unpack the region’s turbulent history, current defences, and the human stakes. From Soviet echoes to NATO drones, we explore   how these nations face a resurgent Russia, with insights on military shifts, societal resolve, and the looming global flashpoint.

Key moments

• 0:37 - The Importance of the Baltic Region
• 7:12 - NATO's Role in Baltic Security
• 15:14 - Russia's Military Strategy
• 23:54 - European Defence Industry Challenges
• 35:33 - Addressing Russian Influence
• 42:39 - Historical Context and Current Tensions
• 45:48 - Preparing for Future Conflicts

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.

Captain Royer walks us through the shift from fighting insurgents to preparing for heavyweights like Russia or China. We dig into the human side of these simulations—Marines grappling with rising casualties when rescue helicopters can’t swoop in, or the civilian toll of their decisions. From stretching limited anti-tank rounds to working with both dedicated and unreliable partner forces, this episode looks at how the USMC approaches modern warfighting with a view to maintaining deterrence – or winning on the battlefield if deterrence fails.

Key moments

• 1:23 - Captain Nicholas Royer's Journey
• 4:41 - Designing Tactical Training Games
• 10:16 - Preparing for High-End Conflict
• 22:11 - Strategies for Future Conflicts
• 31:03 - Deterrence and Preparing for War

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.

This week, we’re talking with Professor Sten Rynning, a NATO expert from the Danish Institute of Advanced Study and a lecturer at the NATO Defence College. We’re talking Donald Trump’s impact, the state of European unity, and whether NATO, the EU, and its members can get their act together fast enough.

This is a no-filter look at a world where old rules, no longer apply.

Key moments

• 4:12 - Current European Security Concerns
• 7:28 - The Evolution of European Defence Structures
• 13:42 - The Future of Military Alliances
• 15:22 - Germany and France's Defence Roles
• 22:04 - The Need for European Self-Sufficiency
• 28:29 - Preparing for a Less U.S.-Dependent Defence

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.

In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, we unpack it all with George Barros (Institute for Study of War), Iuliia Osmolovska (Globsec Kyiv), and ex-British Army officer Nicholas Drummond.

We explore Kyiv’s gritty fight, America’s exit shockwave, and Europe’s do-or-die moment. Peacekeepers? NATO rearming? Nuclear sharing? The stakes are sky-high. Is this Europe’s wake-up call—or Russia’s chance to dominate?

Key moments

• 10:50 - Perspectives from Ukraine
• 18:26 - The Bigger Picture of Defence
• 21:23 - Future of European Military Cooperation
• 24:49 - Ukraine's Defence Strategy
• 27:40 - The Complexities of US Foreign Policy
• 36:38 - The Importance of Security Guarantees
• 48:38 - Technology vs. Manpower in Warfare

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.

Nikolas offers sharp insights into how allies are adapting, while rivals like China wield their technological and shipbuilding strength to tip the scales. We discuss Ukraine’s defensive resilience, Europe’s push to lead—especially on Ukraine—and growing American scepticism about funding global security.

Key moments

• 7:45 - US Policy Shift: Insights from Munich Security Conference
• 20:36 - Allies Adapting to US Retrenchment
• 27:48 - The 'Iron Dome': A New Era of US Defence Strategy
• 31:37 - Germany and Japan: Emerging Power Dynamics
• 36:44 - Ukraine’s Future Role in European Security
• 57:47 - Strategic Focus for Military Leaders

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.

We explore topics like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the power balance within the Gulf states, and the shifts in Syria after the Assad regime’s collapse. Hayat also emphasises the importance of critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the region’s history and culture in military education.

Key moments

• 5:18 - The Complexities of Regional Dynamics
• 13:05 - Historical Context of Peace Agreements
• 27:41 - Iran's Geopolitical Weakening
• 31:34 - Shifts in Global Alliances
• 35:26 - The Collapse of the Assad Regime
• 42:34 - Lessons for Military Leadership

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.

He shares the challenges of leading multinational operations, navigating the unpredictable terrains of recent wars, and adapting to the evolving threats of the 21st century. We also discuss the strategic power of storytelling, the complexities of military resource management, and what it truly means to lead at the highest level. It’s a conversation filled with insight, reflection, and invaluable lessons from someone who’s been at the heart of it all.

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.

With China’s expanding nuclear arsenal and stronger military, this conversation examines the strategies and ideologies driving its rise. As China becomes a dominant global force, Mike and Nigel offer insights into how the West can adapt to stay competitive in this shifting world order.

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.

We uncover why strengthening alliances with European partners has never been more critical, and how NATO is rethinking its strategy to tackle the emerging challenges of the 21st century. From the rise of cutting-edge military technologies to the unpredictable dynamics of global power, this conversation explores how Europe is preparing for the next era of warfare and what it means for the future of international security.

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.

We discuss the shift from counterinsurgency tactics to conventional warfare, the growing threat of cyberattacks, and the widening gap between military and civilian societies. Drawing on their extensive experience, our guests explore how military strategies are adapting to challenges such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the potential for escalation in regions like the Korean Peninsula.

This conversation also explores the complexities of deterrence, how the U.S. and UK military forces are preparing for large-scale combat, and how these nations are addressing future threats. As global tensions rise, we reflect on whether the public truly understands the risks and the changing nature of conflict in an increasingly unpredictable world.

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.