Artwork for Battleground
History

Battleground

Goalhanger

A history podcast that explores the narratives, turning points, and characters that shape conflicts, encompassing a blend of social and military history. Following on from the series on the Falklands War, best-selling military historians Patrick Bishop, Saul David, and Roger Moorhouse turn their attention every Friday to the war in Ukraine, and every Wednesday look back at the significant wars, events, and figures from conflicts around the world.Goalhanger Podcasts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • 444 episodes
  • Updated Thursday

Episodes444

  • Jan 12, 2024 · 38 min

    123. How does Ukraine see the year ahead?

    In the latest episode of Battleground, Patrick Bishop and Saul David, will be looking at how Ukraine sees the year ahead, with the help of some very revealing comments made in a recent interview by President Zelensky. They'll also be asking how it is that his arch enemy President Putin has been able to ride the political troubles that have come in the wake of his war and asking whether that is likely to change soon. They also look at the latest from Gaza front, discussing whether the spate of flare ups outside the immediate battle zone are likely to lead to a wider regional conflict between Israel and Hizbollah and trying to figure out what role Iran is playing in the war. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jan 10, 2024 · 38 min

    122. Battleground '44 - Eisenhower

    In the opening episode of our special Battleground ’44 series, Patrick Bishop and Saul David look at a character who cast a long shadow over the war in the west. The American general and later U.S. President - Dwight D. Eisenhower. In this episode Saul and Patrick delve into Eisenhower's story: his background, his meteoric rise through the U.S. Military ranks, his personality and experiences, and why all that led to him and not others being selected for the top job. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jan 8, 2024 · 29 min

    121. How the 2006 War relates to Gaza today

    Today we have a fascinating interview where Patrick speaks to former Middle East correspondent Tim Butcher, who covered the 2006 Lebanon War. Tim provides some insightful analysis on the impact the 2006 War had on Israel and the IDF, and significantly how this has impacted on what is happening in Gaza today. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jan 5, 2024 · 32 min

    120. Is Putin looking for a Ceasefire?

    In our second Battleground podcast of 2024 Saul and Patrick return to the war in Ukraine, as in the past week has seen a tit for tat of missile and drone strikes – the majority, needless to say, fired from Russia. They also discuss both the possibility and the feasibility of recent reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin is using backchannels and intermediaries to signal his interest in a ceasefire. As ever we answer your listeners questions on both the conflict in Ukraine and in Gaza. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Jan 3, 2024 · 31 min

    119. Battleground 44

    Introducing our new series - Battleground 44. This year to mark the 80th anniversary of probably the most momentous year of the Second World War - 1944 - Patrick, Saul, and some special guests will be drawing on their vast knowledge and expertise on the subject to talk you through the big events and personalities that shaped the conflict and the world we live in today. In this first episode they set the scene at the start of 1944 and look ahead at some of the most significant moments and personalities that they'll be covering as week by week 80 years on. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Dec 29, 2023 · 37 min

    118. The significance of 2023

    Welcome to the last Battleground podcast of the year with Saul David and Patrick Bishop, who both think military historians will look back on 2023 as a very significant year with two major wars whose outcomes will have a significant effect on the future of world events. The conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza are far from over of course. But in this episode we’ll be revisiting the major events of the year in both theatres and trying to give some sense of where they might go in the year ahead. They’ll also, as usual be updating you on recent events in both places, and answering a host of listeners questions. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Dec 27, 2023 · 33 min

    117. Justice for war crimes in Ukraine

    On today's episode we focus on the issue of accountability for war crimes, what finding justice looks like for Ukraine, and the challenges Ukraine faces in this field. To discuss this Saul speaks to Dr Iva Vukusic - assistant professor in International History at Utrecht University and a research fellow at War Studies at Kings college London. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Dec 22, 2023 · 42 min

    116. Zelensky resists mass mobilisation calls

    This week President Zelensky confessed that the Ukrainian army has asked for an extra 450-500,000 people to be mobilised to fight the war, but he had yet to be convinced that such a huge call-up was necessary. Discussing the implications of this Saul and Patrick, also take a look at the delay in US aid for Ukraine, as well as the growing criticism of the IDFs conduct in Gaza. They also address some insightful listeners comments and questions- including on recent poling conducted inside Gaza. Interested in donating to blind veterans - you can find their website here: https://www.blindveterans.org.uk/ If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Dec 20, 2023 · 56 min

    115. Battleground Christmas Special

    In a now annual Battleground tradition, for a special Christmas treat we've recorded a special festive episode discussing the standout history books of the year, and the wider stories that surround them. Patrick, Saul, and Roger are joined by friends of the podcast - fellow historian Jessie Childs and publicist and historical novelist Richard Foreman. Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Dec 15, 2023 · 35 min

    114. Can Zelensky convince Washington?

    In this episode of Battleground Saul and Patrick report on the latest news from Ukraine, with things recently not going Kyiv’s way. The US Congress has blocked a $61 billion aid package for Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky this week visited Washington in an attempt to persuade Republican politicians to change their mind. But will he succeed? Meanwhile Russia has hardened its bargaining position by demanding that Ukraine withdraws its troops from ‘Russian territory’ as a pre-requisite for any peace talks, and announcing that it will conduct voting for the 2024 presidential election in occupied Ukraine, likely in an attempt to legitimise the Russian occupation and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rule. They also answer some excellent listener’s questions and if you to send a question to Saul and Patrick you can send it to podbattleground@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Dec 13, 2023 · 30 min

    113. Will a military victory end the Gaza conflict?

    In this episode of Battleground Saul and Patrick discuss the announcement from Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu that the beginning of the end of Hamas is in sight in Gaza and presumably victory for the Israelis is imminent. They’ll be asking whether he’s right and whether a military victory can actually produce circumstances that bring an end to the overall conflict. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Dec 8, 2023 · 30 min

    112. A voice from Russia

    In this episode of Battleground Ukraine Saul speaks to independent Russian journalist Maria. She discusses the trails of Ukrainian prisoners of war being held in the occupied regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, the effect sanctions are having on the Russian population, and on the wider feeling among Russians about the war in Ukraine. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Dec 6, 2023 · 32 min

    111. What is the mood inside Israel?

    In this episode of Battleground Saul and Patrick react to the news that the ceasefire in Gaza has collapsed, with Israel resuming its air and ground offensive and civilians continuing to die in large numbers. They also discuss the mood inside Israel, with some criticism of the Israeli government strategy coming from inside Israel because of concerns over the risks a resumption of hostilities brings to the hostages that Hamas are still holding. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - podbattleground@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Dec 1, 2023 · 39 min

    110. How the nature of war is evolving

    In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul David speaks to David Patrikarakos from our sister podcast Disorder. David has just returned from Ukraine where he has been reporting on and off since the initial Russian Invasion in 2014. He discusses what he's witnessed recently and over the whole of his time in Ukraine and how the nature of warfare is changing both on the battlefield and on the propaganda front. If you're interested in listening to David's own podcast Disorder - you can find it here: https://linktr.ee/disorderpod If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Nov 29, 2023 · 42 min

    109. Possible post conflict solutions for Gaza

    In this episode of Battleground Patrick Bishop and Saul David discuss the welcome pause in the fighting in Gaza as the hostage for prisoner exchange process continues. They also turn their attention to what comes next, asking whether the refocussing of the world’s attention on the Israel-Palestine problem will bring any realistic expectation of progress on establishing a lasting peace. Helping them tackle that question is guest Jason Pack, a veteran Middle East analyst who has his own thoughts on how a start could be made by handing over Gaza to joint administration by a coalition of Arab states. If you're interested in listening to Jason's own podcast Disorder - you can find it here: https://linktr.ee/disorderpod If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Nov 24, 2023 · 38 min

    108. A gloomy week for Ukraine

    In this episode of Battleground Ukraine - Saul David and Patrick Bishop assess what has been a week of mostly depressing news for Ukraine, with only the occasional shaft of light dispelling the gloom. They look at signs that President Zelensky’s government is losing patience with his military commanders, reports that Iran could soon send ballistic missiles to Russia, and frontline Ukrainian soldiers have spoken about the fear that they cannot win a ‘war of exhaustion’. They also address some fascinating listeners questions covering a wide variety of topics. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Nov 22, 2023 · 32 min

    107. Would a truce benefit both sides?

    In this week's episode of Battleground Gaza, Saul and Patrick discuss the news that Israel and Hamas appear to be on the verge of agreeing a deal to bring about at least a temporary ceasefire in the war in Gaza. Coming at a crucial moment in the conflict when the world was beginning to wonder how long the IDF could continue the campaign in its current form. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Nov 17, 2023 · 31 min

    106. Are both sides running out of manpower?

    On this episode of Battleground Ukraine - Saul and Patrick discuss the significant news from the front line this week that Ukrainian forces continue to expand their bridgehead on the east (left) bank of Dnipro river in Kherson oblast, southern Ukraine. Meanwhile Russia is trying to regain a theatre-wide initiative with several simultaneous offensive operations in eastern Ukraine. They also address the issue of manpower shortages for both sides, the mixed diplomatic messages that have emerged over the past week, and answer a variety of listener's questions. If you have any thoughts or questions on the conflicts in Ukraine or Gaza, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson Twitter: @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Nov 15, 2023 · 42 min

    105. The diplomatic consequences of the war in Gaza

    In this episode of Battleground: Gaza - Saul and Patrick take a look at the latest developments in this divisive conflict. The battle of Gaza seems to have settled down into an attritional struggle in the rubble of the Gaza city, with the Israelis making limited progress. Whilst the civilian population are firmly in the firing line with locations like the Shifa hospital in the thick of the fighting. Discussing this, how the war is dividing societies outside of the Middle East, and the global diplomatic consequences, Saul and Patrick look at what those consequences might be and how they might figure in a possible eventual settlement. If you have any thoughts or questions on the conflicts in Ukraine or Gaza, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  • Nov 10, 2023 · 34 min

    104. Is General Zaluzhnyi straying into politics?

    On this week's Battleground: Ukraine Saul and Patrick react to the big news this week – an article written for the Economist by General Zaluzhnyi, the head of the Ukrainian armed forces, that seemed to suggest the counter-offensive had run out of steam and that the war had moved from one of movement to one of deadlock. They also asses a potentially significant move, that Ukrainian forces have transferred a limited number of armoured vehicles to the east (left) bank of the Dnipro in Kherson Oblast where they had established a bridgehead. If you have any thoughts or questions on the conflicts in Ukraine or Gaza, you can send them to - battlegroundukraine@gmail.com Producer: James Hodgson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.