The Brink

The Brink
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Welcome to your much-needed antidote to centrist dad podcasts. Presented by Daily Telegraph columnist and foreign correspondent Jake Wallis Simons and former parachute regiment officer and geopolitical analyst Andrew Fox, The Brink brings their wealth of real-life experience to bear upon the most important topics of the day, from Israel to immigration, Ukraine to Islamism, asylum hotels to the rise of Reform UK. With a host of stellar guests and an emphasis on common sense, Jake and Andrew explore what it will take to bring the West back from the brink. A podcast from the edge of what’s coming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Who’s the real winner? Air Marshal Edward Stringer on Iran, NATO & Western Decline

    1 DAY AGO

    Who’s the real winner? Air Marshal Edward Stringer on Iran, NATO & Western Decline

    Watch the full and ad-free interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/whos-the-real-winner-air-marshal?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Air Marshall Edward Stringer, for a timely and wide-ranging conversation on Iran, NATO, and the future of Western power. We explore the question at the heart of today’s conflicts: who is actually winning? Against the backdrop of rising tensions with Iran and a shifting global order, Stringer challenges the idea that military strikes alone can deliver lasting outcomes, arguing that without a clear political end state, even successful operations risk achieving very little. The discussion looks at the limits of air power and modern warfare, and why technological superiority is no substitute for coherent strategy. Stringer explains how interventions can shape events in the short term, but cannot create stability on their own, raising serious questions about recent Western actions in the Middle East. We also examine the state of NATO and Western defence more broadly. Stringer warns that capabilities have declined significantly, with the UK and its allies falling behind in readiness and resilience, even as threats become more immediate and complex. Finally, the conversation turns to the bigger picture. From Iran and global energy security to the role of allies and so-called middle powers, this episode asks whether the West is entering a period of strategic drift and what it would take to reverse that trajectory. A clear-eyed and thought-provoking discussion on war, power, and the future of the West. Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:36 Stringer’s Military Background & Experience 05:04 The Libya Campaign Explained 07:51 Libya: Did Air Power Really Work? 09:00 Why You Can’t “Bomb Your Way To Victory” 15:39 Iran Today: What Does “Success” Look Like? 19:26 Was War With Iran Inevitable? 20:16 Can Air Power Ever Deliver Regime Change? 25:51 Trump’s War Rhetoric & Its Consequences 28:07 Social Media, War & Political Messaging 31:21 The Problem With US Global Leadership 35:49 Has The US Always Controlled NATO? 38:07 Europe’s Military Weakness Explained 40:31 Will Things “Go Back To Normal” After Trump? 41:57 A Fundamental Shift In Global Power 43:26 Has The UK Fallen Behind On Defence? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  2. ‘What would Thatcher do?’ Iran, Islam, Trump and Reform with Charles Moore

    30 MAR

    ‘What would Thatcher do?’ Iran, Islam, Trump and Reform with Charles Moore

    Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/what-would-thatcher-do-iran-islam?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Charles Moore, former editor of The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator, and the definitive biographer of Margaret Thatcher, to examine a West in crisis. With geopolitical tensions rising, the transatlantic alliance under strain, and Britain facing deep internal divisions, Moore offers a sweeping diagnosis of where things have gone wrong and what might come next. The conversation begins with one of the most difficult and urgent questions facing Europe today: how Islam fits within Western societies. Moore reflects on decades of thought on the subject, arguing that the challenge is not simply demographic, but philosophical, rooted in unresolved tensions between religion, state, and pluralism. From integration and extremism to the failures of government policy, he lays out why current approaches may be empowering the wrong voices. We then turn to British politics, where the collapse of trust in the main parties has given rise to insurgent movements on both left and right. Moore explains why this fragmentation is both understandable and dangerous, and why populist parties often diagnose problems better than they solve them. The discussion also explores the weakening of the transatlantic relationship in the age of Trump, the rise of ideological extremes in American politics, and the growing confusion in the information age, where truth, propaganda, and narrative increasingly blur together. This is a wide-ranging and deeply thought-provoking conversation about identity, leadership, and the future of the West. Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:42 Why the Public No Longer Believes the Establishment 03:58 The Rise of Ideology Over Evidence 06:12 How Elite Institutions Became Politicised 08:47 The Media’s Role in Shaping Public Narrative 11:05 Truth vs Narrative: What Changed? 13:26 Social Media, Censorship and Information Control 15:52 The Expert Class and the Illusion of Authority 18:34 Covid, Groupthink and Institutional Failure 21:06 The Incentives That Drive Bad Decisions 23:41 Why Dissent Is Shut Down 26:12 Identity Politics and Institutional Capture 29:05 How Bureaucracies Protect Themselves 32:18 Political Leadership and Failure of Accountability 35:44 The Consequences for Democracy 39:12 Immigration, Culture and Social Fragmentation 42:36 Economic Stagnation and Policy Failure 46:18 Britain vs the United States: A Growing Divide Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    49 min
  3. “You Can’t Even Debate This” UK’s Islamism Problem, with former ambassador to Saudi Sir John Jenkins

    26 MAR

    “You Can’t Even Debate This” UK’s Islamism Problem, with former ambassador to Saudi Sir John Jenkins

    Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/you-cant-even-debate-this-uks-islamism?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by former British diplomat and intelligence expert John Jenkins for a deep dive into the influence of Islamism, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the growing challenges facing Britain and the West. The conversation begins with the controversy surrounding public religious displays in Britain, and whether questions around cultural dominance and the use of public space can still be debated openly. Jenkins argues that these are legitimate issues, but increasingly difficult to discuss without accusations shutting down the conversation. Drawing on his 2015 government review, he explains how Islamism differs from Islam, and why movements like the Muslim Brotherhood present a long-term ideological challenge to Western liberal democracies. The discussion explores how these ideas operate not just politically, but through social networks, charities, universities, and community structures. The episode also examines the concept of “creeping influence” within public life, from changing social norms to the role of identity and integration in Britain. Jenkins stresses that the problem is not simple or singular, but part of a broader ideological ecosystem that interacts with wider cultural and economic factors. Turning to foreign policy, the conversation shifts to Iran, with Jenkins arguing that Western governments have consistently misunderstood the nature of the regime. He critiques decades of policy shaped by wishful thinking, warning that Iran operates as a revolutionary state with global ambitions and deep links to militant networks. Finally, the discussion focuses on what Britain should do next. Jenkins outlines a clear approach: restore open debate, follow the money behind extremist networks, rebuild institutional expertise, and confront subversive activity before it escalates into violence. A wide-ranging and provocative conversation about ideology, security, and the future of the West. Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:49 Who Is Sir John Jenkins? Background and Experience 03:26 Is Public Religious Display a Political Signal? 05:21 Why Islamism Challenges Western Liberal Democracy 07:48 Islam as Religion vs Islamism as Political System 08:59 Can Islam Be Compatible With Western Democracy? 12:01 Islamism as a Totalising Ideology 14:41 The Muslim Brotherhood’s Long-Term Strategy 17:33 Why Debate on Islamism Is Being Shut Down 18:50 Social Media, Intimidation and Closed Debate 19:34 Universities, DEI and Ideological Monoculture 21:33 The Muslim Brotherhood as a Global Network 24:20 Follow the Money: Financing Islamist Movements 27:52 Integration, Identity and Segregation in Britain 30:17 Economic Growth vs Cultural Fragmentation 31:04 Mosques, Preaching and Inflammatory Rhetoric 33:03 The Rise of a Global Muslim Identity 34:40 Iran Strategy: Where the West Got It Wrong 36:45 The Nuclear Deal, Wishful Thinking and Reality 40:41 Foreign Office Failures and Loss of Expertise 42:29 Is Iran a Revolutionary State and Active Threat? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  4. Lionel Shriver: Sectarian Muslim voting is changing our country

    19 MAR

    Lionel Shriver: Sectarian Muslim voting is changing our country

    In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Lionel Shriver for a wide-ranging conversation anchored in the results of the Gorton and Denton by-election and what they reveal about the changing political landscape in Britain. Using the by-election as a starting point, we explore how immigration, identity politics, and cultural division are reshaping British politics. Lionel reflects on the growing disconnect between political elites and the public, and why questions around national identity, integration, and social cohesion are increasingly dominating the political conversation. The discussion also turns to the wider cultural climate in the West. We examine the pressures shaping public debate, the influence of identity politics in media and institutions, and why many writers and public figures now feel constrained in what they can say openly. Lionel explains why she believes a culture of self-censorship has taken hold and how this affects journalism, literature, and democratic discourse. Finally, we ask what the future holds for Western societies as these tensions deepen. Are we witnessing a political realignment driven by cultural issues, and what does that mean for the stability of democratic institutions? This is a candid and thought-provoking conversation about politics, culture, and the forces now reshaping Britain and the wider West. Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/sectarian-muslim-voting-is-changing?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:22 Reaction to the Gorton & Denton By-Election 05:37 Immigration, Demographics and Political Power 07:08 Tribal Voting and the Breakdown of Assimilation 08:16 Identity Politics and the Green Party Alliance 10:18 Israel, Palestine and Progressive Politics 10:58 Who Is Manipulating Whom? Greens vs Muslim Voters 12:32 The Muslim Brotherhood and Political Strategy 15:22 Is Islam Compatible With Liberal Democracy? 18:38 Historical Parallels: Lessons from the Iranian Revolution 20:15 Lionel Shriver’s Novel A Better Life and Immigration 24:20 Borders, Nationhood and the Ideological Divide 26:32 Immigration as “Home Invasion” — The Novel’s Metaphor 27:26 Old Immigration vs Modern Immigration 31:14 Choosing the Right Immigration Policy 36:23 Disorder, Gang Culture and Failed Integration 37:12 Meet the Characters: Gloria and Progressive Compassion 39:16 Nico and the Collapse of the Work Ethic 43:41 Domingo, Masculinity and Cultural Conflict 48:29 The Decline of Western Work Ethic 51:03 Is There a Sensible Middle Ground on Immigration? 54:40 The Crisis of Western Identity 56:13 Civilisations in Decline and Cultural Self-Hatred 59:19 Complacency, Fragility and the Future of the West Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 2min
  5. MI6 Spymaster Reveals The Shadow War in Iran

    13 MAR

    MI6 Spymaster Reveals The Shadow War in Iran

    In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Richard Dearlove, former Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, for a wide-ranging conversation about intelligence, geopolitics, and the mounting confrontation between the West and the Iranian regime. Sir Richard draws on decades of experience at the heart of Britain’s intelligence community to explain how the current crisis with Iran should be understood. We discuss the strategic calculations behind Western and Israeli actions, how intelligence agencies assess regime stability, and why the Islamic Republic remains such a persistent threat to regional and global security. The conversation also explores the role of intelligence in modern conflict, from covert operations and alliance cooperation to the limits of diplomacy when dealing with ideological regimes. Sir Richard reflects on how Western intelligence services interpret signals from Tehran, the risks of escalation in the Middle East, and what the conflict could mean for the wider balance of power. Finally, we look at the long-term future of the Iranian regime and whether internal pressure, economic strain, and external confrontation could ultimately lead to its collapse. This is a rare and revealing conversation with one of Britain’s most experienced intelligence figures about espionage, statecraft, and the high-stakes struggle now unfolding in the Middle East. Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/mi6-spymaster-reveals-the-shadow?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min
  6. What the Royal Navy’s shame says about Britain - Tom Sharpe OBE

    10 MAR

    What the Royal Navy’s shame says about Britain - Tom Sharpe OBE

    In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by military analyst and former Royal Navy officer Tom Sharpe to examine Britain’s response to the escalating crisis in the Middle East and the deeper problems facing the UK’s armed forces. We begin by looking at the current military situation around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, including the role of naval deployments, missile threats, and the strategic importance of keeping global shipping lanes open. Tom explains why the UK’s naval presence matters in this kind of conflict and what capabilities British forces could realistically contribute alongside the United States. The conversation then turns to a wider critique of Britain’s defence posture. From delays in deploying ships to chronic shortages of equipment and personnel, we explore how decades of decline have left the Royal Navy and wider armed forces stretched dangerously thin. Tom also breaks down the failures in defence procurement, the waste within the system, and why Britain struggles to translate a large defence budget into real military capability. Finally, we discuss the strategic choices facing the UK. Should Britain focus on European security and the Russian threat, or continue playing a global role alongside the United States in regions like the Middle East? And what would it actually take to rebuild a military capable of meeting the challenges of an increasingly unstable world? This is a candid and sobering discussion about Britain’s military decline, the realities of modern warfare, and the urgent reforms needed if the UK is to remain a credible power. Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/what-the-royal-navys-shame-says-about?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min
  7. Iran War: How the UN has been hijacked with Hillel Neuer

    6 MAR

    Iran War: How the UN has been hijacked with Hillel Neuer

    In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Hillel Neuer to examine the role of the United Nations during the escalating crisis in Iran and to ask whether the institution is still capable of acting as a moral authority in world affairs. Hillel argues that the UN’s response to the Iranian uprising has exposed deep structural problems within the organisation. While tens of thousands of protesters were reportedly killed during the regime’s crackdown, many UN bodies remained largely silent, yet quickly condemned the United States and Israel when military action was taken against the Iranian regime. We explore how authoritarian states have gradually come to dominate key UN institutions, from the Human Rights Council to special rapporteur positions, and why mechanisms that were originally intended to defend human rights are now often used to advance political agendas. Hillel also explains how propaganda, procedural manoeuvres, and ideological alliances shape the way international law and legitimacy are discussed on the global stage. Finally, we ask whether the UN can realistically be reformed, or whether democracies must find new ways to defend liberal values in a world where authoritarian regimes increasingly shape international institutions. This is a candid and provocative conversation about international law, moral authority, and the struggle over the institutions meant to uphold the global order. Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/p/iran-war-how-the-un-has-been-hijacked?r=63dafp Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:21 The UN’s Reaction to the Iran Protests 05:00 Why the UN Condemns the US and Israel 06:36 October 7 and the UN’s Anti-Israel Bias 10:12 Why the UN Still Won’t Condemn Hamas 10:45 How Dictatorships Captured the UN 12:25 Why the UN Still Holds Global Legitimacy 14:14 Is the UN Actually Effective? 15:52 Can the UN Be a Neutral Legal Arbiter? 18:58 Iran’s Long War Against America 20:00 When International Law Undermines National Interest 21:39 Why Moral Action Sometimes Means Ignoring the UN 25:00 How the UN Was Hijacked After Decolonisation 27:00 The Role of the UN Secretariat 29:17 Special Rapporteurs and the Accountability Problem 35:05 The Genocide Accusations Against Israel Explained 40:30 Calling Out Hypocrisy at the United Nations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  8. CIA Iran expert: This war will change global power

    4 MAR

    CIA Iran expert: This war will change global power

    In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Norman Roule to unpack the unfolding war with Iran and the strategic thinking behind the campaign against the Islamic Republic. We discuss how the military operation has unfolded so far, why Iran’s response has followed a predictable pattern of drones and ballistic missiles, and what the campaign reveals about the strengths and weaknesses of the Iranian regime. Norman explains why Tehran may avoid closing the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic miscalculations that may have shaped Iran’s early decisions, and how Gulf states are navigating a conflict happening on their doorstep. The conversation also explores the broader geopolitical stakes. We examine the role of intelligence cooperation between the United States and Israel, the limits of air power in forcing regime change, and the difficult question of what a post-conflict Iran might look like. Could the regime collapse, or could the country descend into fragmentation and unrest? Finally, we discuss the long-term implications for the Middle East, from the future of the Abraham Accords to the possibility of deeper security integration among Gulf states. This is a wide-ranging and sobering conversation about war, intelligence, and the uncertain path toward a more stable Middle East. Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/cia-iran-expert-this-war-will-change?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:24 Inside the US Campaign Against Iran 05:42 Why Iran Won’t Close the Strait of Hormuz 08:00 Strategic Failures Inside the Iranian Regime 10:05 Why This Was the “Moment” to Act 11:54 The Courage of the Iranian People 15:00 Trump’s Strategy: Keep the Enemy Guessing 17:02 The Kurdish Question and Risks of Fragmenting Iran 19:28 Why Iranian Protests Haven’t Overthrown the Regime 22:09 Can Air Power Bring Down the Islamic Republic? 25:37 US–Israel Intelligence Cooperation Against Iran 30:32 The Gulf States’ Real Position on the War 35:33 Why the Gulf Feels Abandoned by the International Community 38:10 Europe, Trump and the Fracturing of the Western Alliance 40:00 Will the Abraham Accords Expand After This War? 42:12 How Defeating Iran’s Proxies Could Transform the Middle East 46:57 The Intelligence Case for War With Iran 49:40 Imminent Threats, Terrorism and the Logic of Military Action Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min
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Trailer

About

Welcome to your much-needed antidote to centrist dad podcasts. Presented by Daily Telegraph columnist and foreign correspondent Jake Wallis Simons and former parachute regiment officer and geopolitical analyst Andrew Fox, The Brink brings their wealth of real-life experience to bear upon the most important topics of the day, from Israel to immigration, Ukraine to Islamism, asylum hotels to the rise of Reform UK. With a host of stellar guests and an emphasis on common sense, Jake and Andrew explore what it will take to bring the West back from the brink. A podcast from the edge of what’s coming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    The Brink
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Brink
  • Show Website
    The Brink

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