One Decision

Listen Now Media
  • 4.6 (70)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Tough decisions rattle us all to the core.  But for our guests on One Decision— the choices they are up against can also shape history.  No pressure!  They take us through all of their doubts, emotions and—sometimes unexpected--consequences. A fresh take on foreign policy. Hear the former head of Mi6, Sir Richard Dearlove alongside international journalists as they analyse, interview, and discuss.

  1. Khamenei Is Dead. Is This the Rebirth of American Deterrence? Ex-MI6 Chief's Analysis

    2H AGO

    Khamenei Is Dead. Is This the Rebirth of American Deterrence? Ex-MI6 Chief's Analysis

    After weeks of buildup, the United States and Israel have attacked Iran, killing long-time leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. How will the downfall of his regime reverberate throughout the Middle East and beyond?  Former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove and journalist Kate McCann (Political Editor at Times Radio) dive into the questions around the decision to strike Iran, what the death of Khamenei means for Iran’s future, and whether Iranian proxies in the region like Hezbollah have the strength to aid in retaliation. Plus: Does China have a reason to step in and help Iran? Should Russian President Vladimir Putin be concerned that he’s lost an ally, or emboldened because of the United States’ split attention? What will the UK’s involvement be in supporting the US and Israel in this conflict? In this episode: 01:37 - The decision behind killing Khamenei 03:43 - Ramifications of turning Khamenei into a martyr 06:32 - Why a popular uprising in Iran is unlikely 08:50 - Starlink and the information war 10:25 - How the Ayatollah’s downfall may be the death knell for Iran’s regional proxies 12:28 - Who backs Iran now? 13:51 - Will China be a mediator? 15:48 - Putin’s lost an ally 19:18 - Consequences of Starmer’s hesitancy 22:36 - The lethal combination of Israeli HUMINT and the CIA’s advanced surveillance Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and journalist Kate McCann (Political Editor at Times Radio). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    28 min
  2. Four Years of Ukraine War, No End In Sight: Ex-CIA officer Mike Baker Assesses Risks

    5D AGO

    Four Years of Ukraine War, No End In Sight: Ex-CIA officer Mike Baker Assesses Risks

    When a former CIA officer and the ex-Chief of MI6 agree something is coming — pay attention. This week, Sir Richard Dearlove, former Chief of MI6, and guest co-host Baroness Ayesha Hazarika are joined by Mike Baker, a former CIA covert operations officer with nearly two decades running intelligence operations in the world's most hostile environments. Together, they give an unvarnished assessment of the three crises dominating global affairs right now: whether US military action against Iran is imminent and what it would actually target; why Putin has little incentive to end the war in Ukraine and what could change his calculus; and why Cuba, just 90 miles from Florida, may be closer to collapse than anyone is reporting. Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and guest co-host Baroness Ayesha Hazarika (House of Lords). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    43 min
  3. Trump's Tariff Plan Just Got Struck Down. What Now? | In Brief

    FEB 24

    Trump's Tariff Plan Just Got Struck Down. What Now? | In Brief

    The U.S. Supreme Court just struck down President Trump's reciprocal tariffs — so what happens next? Former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove and Baroness Ayesha Hazarika break down Trump's options to reimpose his tariff regime, what it means for trade negotiators worldwide, and why international leaders who flew to Washington may have wasted their time. Plus: Will US intel lead the front of the war against Mexican drug cartels? What role will the Board of Peace play on the global stage beyond Gaza? Is the United Nations still an important force in geopolitics? In this episode: What’s next for President Trump’s tariffs after the U.S. Supreme Court’s sweeping decision  Knock-on effects to watch for following the killing of Mexican cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, aka “El Mencho” The role President Trump’s Board of Peace may play in the rebuilding of Gaza The diminished relevance of the United Nations in world affairs Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and Baroness Ayesha Hazarika (Member of the House of Lords). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    16 min
  4. BONUS: Andrew’s Arrest & UK Security Secrets, Former MI6 Head Weighs In

    FEB 20

    BONUS: Andrew’s Arrest & UK Security Secrets, Former MI6 Head Weighs In

    Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public life, and not for his alleged behavior toward women. He is the first member of the British royal family to be detained since King Charles I was taken prisoner in 1647. Former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove details the level of classified information Andrew may have allegedly shared for personal gain. In this special bonus episode: Why Prince Andrew was arrested for misconduct in public office The state of the UK justice system and the future of the monarchy The fallout from the Epstein files: why the UK is acting while the US remains silent Peter Mandelson’s vulnerability to similar charges Andrew’s history as “Randy Andy” and “Air Miles Andy” Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and co-host Kate McCann (Political Editor, The Times).  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    19 min
  5. Will China Invade Taiwan in 2026? Expert's New Insight Reveals "Perfect Storm"

    FEB 19

    Will China Invade Taiwan in 2026? Expert's New Insight Reveals "Perfect Storm"

    Is 2026 China's window to “reunite” Taiwan? With Trump’s muted position on Taiwan and focus on the Western Hemisphere, China experts see a "perfect storm" of opportunity. Yun Sun, Ph.D., Director of the China Program at the Stimson Center, explains why Beijing believes this may be a now-or-never moment.  Dr. Sun unpacks her arguments and warnings from her recent Foreign Affairs essay. In this episode: The People's Liberation Army’s military readiness  If the United States won’t intervene, would Japan or South Korea?  Decoding the signals from the purge of PLA generals Xi Jinping's legacy ambitions Warning signs to watch in 2026 Show Notes:  A Perfect Storm for Taiwan in 2026? | Foreign Affairs   Yun Sun | Stimson Center Yun Sun | Brookings  Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and guest co-host Rosanna Lockwood (international journalist). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min
  6. Munich Security Conference: Germany Takes the Lead, UK Loses Ground | In Brief

    FEB 17

    Munich Security Conference: Germany Takes the Lead, UK Loses Ground | In Brief

    German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's speech at the Munich Security Conference marks a seismic shift in European defense. Former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove breaks down why Germany's massive military spending increase changes everything, and why the UK might be left behind. Plus: Is the US heading toward military conflict with Iran? What is the significance of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s controversial support for Orban in Hungary?  In this episode: Germany's constitutional change for unprecedented defense spending Merz's "German Gaullism" - what it means for Europe Why Starmer's Munich speech fell flat Israel strategizing with Trump administration regarding Iran Zelensky's election strategy and Ukraine's battlefield gains Show Notes:  Royal Navy misses £500m of submarine maintenance | The Times   Le gaullisme allemand de Merz à Munich: discours intégral | Le Grand Continent   Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and Kate McCann (Political Editor at The Times). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    20 min
  7. Assessing Trump's Iran Strategy and the Russia-Ukraine Negotiations with Michael Allen

    FEB 12

    Assessing Trump's Iran Strategy and the Russia-Ukraine Negotiations with Michael Allen

    s the United States about to launch military strikes against Iran? Former National Security Council official Michael Allen joins One Decision to discuss escalating tensions in the Middle East, revealing why he believes President Trump will soon authorize joint US-Israeli military action against Iran. In this episode, Michael Allen analyzes: Why Iran negotiations may be doomed to fail Putin's negotiating strategy and the Donbas sticking point Europe's slow response to Trump's defense spending demands Michael Allen is a Managing Director at Beacon Global Strategies, co-host of NatSec Matters Podcast, and a former NSC official who ran intelligence strategy and counter-proliferation. Show Notes:  A Second Wave of Popular Anger Is Building in Iran | WSJ  The Critical Importance of Ukraine’s Fortress Belt in Donetsk Oblast | ISW  Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and guest co-host Sabrina Singh (former Pentagon Press Secretary). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    35 min
  8. EPSTEIN FILES FALLOUT, Plus Iran’s On The Hot Seat

    FEB 10

    EPSTEIN FILES FALLOUT, Plus Iran’s On The Hot Seat

    The fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein files has reached the highest levels of the United Kingdom Parliament. Tensions continue to rise as Iran attempts to run out the clock on American forces. Russia–Ukraine peace talks appear to be stalling yet again. Former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove and Sabrina Singh dive into the ongoing turmoil facing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Sir Richard details calls for the PM’s resignation, as documents in the Epstein files reveal that Starmer’s former U.S. ambassador pick, Peter Mandelson, allegedly distributed classified intelligence with Epstein back in 2008. Sabrina gets into Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff’s approach to engaging with Iran. Sir Richard explains Iran’s strategy for running out the clock on the United States, and why past nuclear negotiations remain influential for both sides. Ukraine does not appear willing to surrender the Donbas region to Russia. Sir Richard and Sabrina analyze the war’s impact on the strained Russian economy. As casualties on both sides continue to mount, Russians are fleeing the country at rates not seen in decades to escape the conflict and conscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    17 min
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4.6
out of 5
70 Ratings

About

Tough decisions rattle us all to the core.  But for our guests on One Decision— the choices they are up against can also shape history.  No pressure!  They take us through all of their doubts, emotions and—sometimes unexpected--consequences. A fresh take on foreign policy. Hear the former head of Mi6, Sir Richard Dearlove alongside international journalists as they analyse, interview, and discuss.

Information

  • Creator
    Listen Now Media
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    346
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 965d0840-11dd-11f1-9998-fd640392db1d
  • Show Website
    One Decision

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