Facing Coming Storms: Talking International Defence

Peter Apps & Urban Podcasts
  • 0.0 (0)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Facing Coming Storms: Talking International Defence

Facing Coming Storms is the new international defence podcast from the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research and the Project for the Study of the 21st Century. From confrontation to conflict, join Peter Apps each Monday for insightful discussions, conversations, and expert analysis. Facing Coming Storms is produced by Urban Podcasts.

  1. 4D AGO

    An Evolving "Trump Doctrine" and Its Implications

    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 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.

    50 min

  2. JUN 29

    Drones and Data: The New Face of Global Conflict

    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 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.

    56 min

  3. JUN 22

    Britain’s Battle Plan: Land Warfare 2025

    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 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.

    1h 1m

  4. JUN 15

    Storm Proofing: Will AI Change the Way Soldiers Think?

    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 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.

    37 min

  5. JUN 8

    Understanding the Taiwan Confrontation

    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 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 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 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.

    1h 6m

  6. JUN 1

    Jets, Drones, and the Evolving Air-Space Battle

    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 moments 02:56 - 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 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.

    45 min

  7. MAY 25

    Westlessness: Navigating a World Beyond Western Rule

    Is the West ready for a multipolar storm? In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Samir Puri, former British diplomat and Chatham House director, joins us to dissect the West’s fading unipolar dominance as the Global South asserts its weight. We shred the 1990s fantasy of universal democracy and capitalism, now eclipsed by India’s strategic tightrope and South Africa’s bold Hague plays. From our election-monitoring days in Ukraine and Kenya, we trace the collapse of the West’s “history’s victor” myth. 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 Role11:50 - Emerging Powers and Autonomous Strategies23:33 - Southeast Asia's Multi-Alignment Approach33:06 - Russia's Asian Pivot and Sanctions35:49 - Engaging the Global South Militarily43:23 - India's Strategic Multi-Alignment50:33 - 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.

    57 min

  8. MAY 18

    Performative Strikes and New Forever Wars

    Are we heading toward endless wars or can we pull back? In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Nikolas Gvosdev joins us to dissect 2025’s conflicts—from Ukraine and Gaza to Houthi attacks and India-Pakistan tensions. We explore “performative strikes” risking escalation and depleted arsenals, like US Tomahawks and Europe’s scarce shells. 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 Constraints13:21 - Lessons from Prolonged Conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza17:50 - Evolving Norms of Nuclear Powers in Conflict21:46 - Societal Tolerance for Casualties in Modern Warfare30:36 - Global Economic Impacts on Conflict Dynamics35:12 - De-escalation Strategies in a Multipolar World43:12 - 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.

    48 min
See All (22)

About

Facing Coming Storms is the new international defence podcast from the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research and the Project for the Study of the 21st Century. From confrontation to conflict, join Peter Apps each Monday for insightful discussions, conversations, and expert analysis. Facing Coming Storms is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Information

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada