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

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Today · 37 min
443. Moscow, Washington, and the New World Order
In this episode of Battleground: The Big Picture, host Patrick Bishop sits down with veteran international affairs journalist and Economist editor-at-large Xan Smiley to reflect on the shifting geopolitical landscape between Europe, Moscow, and Washington. Drawing on his years as a former Moscow and Washington bureau chief, Xan reflects on: The Fall of the Soviet Order: What life was like inside late-1980s Moscow during the eras of glasnost and perestroika, the sudden collapse of the USSR, and how ordinary Russians fared through the turbulent 1990s privatisation. The Evolution of US-Russia Dynamics: From Ronald Reagan’s pivotal shift on Moscow’s "evil empire" to Donald Trump’s unprecedented posture toward Vladimir Putin. NATO and Kremlin Narratives: Unpacking the deep-seated Russian psyche of encirclement, the debate around NATO expansion, and the impact on the war in Ukraine. The Rise of Global Populism: The forces driving political polarisation and the rise of right-wing populist parties across Europe and America. Bright Spots of Progress: Why the economic and democratic transformation of Eastern and Central Europe remains one of the greatest success stories of the post-Cold War era. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Friday · 1 hr 1 min
442. Operation Vivaldi & The Rise of the Unmanned Forces: Inside Ukraine's Drone Revolution
Want to support Matt's charity cycle raising money for SuperHumans? You can find his donation page here. www.justgiving.com/page/u2u In this episode of Battleground, hosts Patrick Bishop and Roger Moorhouse dive into the latest developments from the front lines in Ukraine, featuring a deep dive into the successful "Operation Vivaldi" counteroffensive in the Donbas. Later, Belgian war correspondent Arnaud De Decker joins to share insights from his exclusive, behind-the-scenes interview with Robert Brovdi (aka "Magyar"), head of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces. Key Topics Covered: Operation Vivaldi: How Ukraine liberated over 250 square kilometres in the Donbas using ground-dropping robots, heavy bomber drones, and clever deception tactics (Maskirovka). Inside the Underground Command: Journalist Arnaud De Decker describes his high-security journey to a secret command centre monitoring live battlefield feeds across hundreds of screens. Exclusive Interview Insights with "Magyar": Robert Brovdi’s take on why deep-strike drone attacks in Russia are only 5% of daily missions, the strategic goal of replacing infantry with unmanned systems, and the chilling prospects of autonomous AI warfare. Life in Kyiv & Winter Expectations: Frontline realities versus civil resilience in Kyiv as winter approaches under changing Russian drone tactics. Cyber Warfare & Mailbag: A report on Poland's Cyber Legion initiative and listener questions on the future of tanks and European missile defence systems. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 30 · 40 min
441. Can Canada Take On the US? Mark Carney, Trade Wars, and the Battle for Sovereignty
In this episode of Battleground: The Big Picture, host Julius Strauss is joined by prominent Canadian political columnist and author Andrew Coyne to analyse the escalating trade tensions and unprecedented strain on Canada–US relations. The discussion covers the political shift in Canada following Mark Carney's election, the collapse of recent trade negotiations, the impact of US tariffs, and the broader threat posed to Canadian economic sovereignty. Julius Strauss writes the blog Back from the Front and also owns and runs Wild Bear Lodge, a bear-viewing lodge, in Canada. Check out both in the links below: Substack: https://backfromthefront.substack.com/ Wild Bear Lodge: https://wildbearlodge.ca/ Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 25 · 39 min
440. Is the Tank Back? Anti-Drone Tech and Starvation in Oleshky
In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul David and Roger Moorhouse analyse the geopolitical fallout of Donald Trump signing the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, his push for Ukraine to halt refinery strikes, and President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal for a mutual energy ceasefire. They break down actual battlefield numbers versus Moscow’s exaggerated claims, how Australia’s Slinger counter-drone system is helping return armour to the front line, and a dire humanitarian situation in Russian-occupied Oleshky. Plus, a deep dive into the latest cyber warfare—from the UK’s new National Centre for Information Defence to high-profile election hacks and state-sponsored cyber operations—followed by listener questions on striking Russian infrastructure, national resilience, and UK defence procurement reform. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 23 · 42 min
439. The Cauldron: How the Modern Middle East Was Really Made
In this episode of Battleground: The Big Picture, host Saul David sits down with prize-winning, internationally bestselling historian Simon Sebag Montefiore to discuss his book, The Cauldron: The Making of the Modern Middle East. Montefiore shares the intense, challenging process behind crafting a fact-based, source-grounded history of the region from 1900 to the present day—a project designed to cut through modern social media disinformation, anti-factual discourse, and toxic polarisation. He highlights the importance of moving beyond a narrow, traditional lens to recognise neglected humanitarian crises in North Africa, Syria, and Sudan, emphasising that every human life carries equal moral weight. The conversation explores key historical turning points across four distinct phases of modern Middle Eastern history: The agency of local regional leaders, contrasting self-made figures like King Abdulaziz Al Saud with traditional top-down imperial narratives. The complex collapse of the Ottoman Empire, early nationalist movements, and the tragic targeting of minorities such as the Armenians. Strategic military lessons drawn from historical operations like the 1976 Entebbe raid and why lasting security requires political compromise alongside military capability. The deeper, overarching battle of ideas within Islam, contrasting radical revolutionary Islamism with more open-minded, cosmopolitan visions. The forgotten origin story of the region's modern borders, explaining how most Middle Eastern nation-states were created in the wake of the two World Wars. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 18 · 39 min
438. Boiling the Frog: Russian Hybrid Warfare at NATO’s Doorstep
In this episode of Battleground Ukraine, Saul David and Patrick Bishop examine the latest geopolitical fallout following Jared Kushner’s controversial peace deal statements and Donald Trump’s calls for Ukraine to halt energy strikes. They unpack the domestic political implications—including the passing of the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act—and analyse whether the administration's stance crosses the line into treason. Geopolitical & Diplomatic Turbulence: The hosts discuss Jared Kushner's claims that an agreement has been reached on all issues except territorial ones, why his logic is fundamentally flawed, and how Russian officials contradicted his claims. They also examine the funding behind Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding by a Russian oligarch. US Legislative Action: A look at the Senate and House passing aggressive new sanctions against Russia's energy, defence, and shadow fleet sectors, overriding opposition despite pressure on Ukraine. Front-line Dynamics & Deep Strikes: According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrainian forces have contested the initiative and launched successful counter-attacks in Kupiansk, Oleksandrivka, and Lyman. Meanwhile, Ukraine launched its deepest strike yet—hitting gas facilities nearly 3,000 kilometres inside Russia. Escalations Near NATO Borders: Analysis of Russian hybrid warfare, including a drone downed in Lithuania by Italian NATO jets, a strike on a Ukrainian train station just after Boris Johnson passed through, and a Russian frigate firing flares at a Danish helicopter. Russian High Command Losses: The elimination of two more senior Russian officers—Lt. Gen. Sergei Milshukov and Maj. Gen. Anton Grunis—bringing the total to 24 generals lost in the conflict. Cyber Updates & Disinformation: How pro-Ukrainian operations hit Russian networks with massive DDoS attacks, and how the Russian group Matryoshka launched targeted disinformation campaigns following German regional elections. Listener Questions: Saul and Patrick answer questions about EU-China trade tit-for-tats over sanctions, the military and ethical pitfalls of targeting Russian oligarchs, Ukraine's growing domestic ballistic missile capabilities, and why casualty figures haven't sparked a domestic uprising in Russia. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 16 · 42 min
437. The Human Element of War: Iain MacGregor on Morale, Tech, and Ukraine
In this episode of Battleground: The Big Picture, host Patrick Bishop is joined by publisher and military historian Iain MacGregor to explore how the past illuminates the present and future of warfare. Drawing from his book Battle: The Moments That Transformed Warfare From Ancient Greece to Ukraine, MacGregor discusses the enduring principles of war—morale, leadership, innovation, subterfuge, and numbers—across history's pivotal conflicts. Key Highlights The Human Element & Family History: MacGregor shares how his family's military lineage inspired his focus on the lived experiences of ordinary soldiers rather than just high-level strategy. Morale on the Battlefield: A comparative look at the Ukrainian defence of Kyiv versus Russian public sentiment. MacGregor offers first-hand insights into how ordinary Russians endure conflict and view state patriotism. Leadership in Modern Conflict: The conversation examines modern political and military leadership, contrasting domestic command structures with international coalition responses. Game-Changing Innovation: MacGregor discusses the evolution of war-altering tech—from historical turning points like radar and armour to the cost-effective, high-impact role of drones on the modern battlefield. Subterfuge & Satellite Surveillance: Why traditional mass-scale military deceptions are yielding to modern intelligence, drone technology, and digital information warfare. Democracies and Casualty Tolerances: An exploration of how public information and civilian backing shape military capabilities in Western democracies compared to authoritarian regimes. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 12 · 26 min
436. Walking into the Grey Zone: A Frontline Report with Boldizsár Győri
In this special standalone edition, host Roger Moorhouse and co-host Patrick Bishop speak with intrepid war reporter Boldizsár "Boldi" Győri following his latest trip to Ukraine. Boldi provides a vivid look into the current atmosphere in Kyiv, where residents face modified S-300 and S-400 Russian missile strikes with minimal warning and a shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles. Despite the air campaign, he highlights that civilian morale remains intact, supported by local preparations for the coming winter and a deep connection to those serving at the front. Boldi recounts his experiences on the front line in the east, detailing the extreme isolation of infantrymen supplied by expendable, Mars-rover-like ground drones in the grey zone. He describes travelling with the 24th Brigade near Kramatorsk, following middle-aged green recruits—former miners, taxi drivers, and salesmen—as veteran "reconnaissance infantrymen" give them crash courses before navigating heavily targeted, drone-saturated terrain. The episode also covers the gradual evacuation of Kramatorsk under the threat of Russian FPV drones and glide bombs, the harsh economic realities for internally displaced families and pensioners, and the inspiring story of former Mariupol POWs who survived captivity and returned to Kyiv to build their own veteran-run clothing brand. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 11 · 50 min
435. Diplomatic Amateurs
Hosts Patrick Bishop and Roger Moorhouse examine the latest US-led diplomatic efforts following meetings between Donald Trump's envoys—Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff—and leaders in Moscow and Kyiv. They unpack the lack of concrete diplomatic breakthroughs, Witkoff's controversial comments to Vladimir Putin, and Volodymyr Zelensky's calls for winter air defence support. The hosts also analyse Owen Matthews’ bleak assessment of Ukraine's war efforts in The Spectator, contrasting his pessimistic outlook with tactical Ukrainian successes around Lyman, where forces liberated 200 square kilometres. They discuss the "pervasive culture of lying" within the Russian military identified by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), $27 billion in unexpected budget shortfalls reported by Kyiv, and potential mass mobilisation rumours driving young Russian men to flee. Finally, marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11, Patrick and Roger reflect on how global perception of US leadership has transformed since 2001. In the Q&A section, they respond to listener inquiries regarding the rise of far-right political parties in Europe and their stance on Ukraine, the current status of the military campaign in Crimea, escalation risks in cyber warfare, and shifting youth attitudes towards military service and national defence. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 9 · 1 hr 4 min
434. Who Was Actually Behind the Nord Stream Bombing?
In this episode of Battleground: The Big Picture, Roger Moorhouse is joined by Bojan Pancevski, Chief Political Correspondent for Europe at The Wall Street Journal and author of The Nord Stream Conspiracy. Together, they unravel the audacious plot behind the autumn 2022 sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines, examining how a small team of operatives allegedly carried out the most significant act of modern industrial sabotage on a shoestring budget. Pancevski reveals details from inside both the Ukrainian team and the German investigation, exploring how the CIA caught wind of the plan, why Western allies tried to stop it, and how Poland attempted to derail the German probe. They also break down the collapse of Germany’s long-standing Wandel durch Handel energy policy, analyse the upcoming high-stakes trial in Hamburg, and confront the wild conspiracy theories—from Seymour Hersh to Russian false-flag narratives—that surrounded the attack. Finally, Pancevski offers his sharp assessment of Donald Trump's diplomatic stance toward Putin and Zelenskyy, and discusses what this dangerous precedent means for the future of global critical infrastructure. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 4 · 54 min
433. Can NATO Fight Back Against Russia’s Shadow War?
In this episode, Saul David and Roger Moorhouse analyze the recent escalation in long-range aerial strikes, including Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian logistics sites, as well as severe Russian missile raids on Kyiv and Odesa's power infrastructure. They discuss Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direct comments to Vladimir Putin at the BRICS summit, Germany's official findings on the Russian hybrid drone attack at Leipzig/Halle airport, and the complex legal parallel of the upcoming Nord Stream trial in Hamburg. They also examine Ukraine's significant counterattack near Lyman and report on heavy Russian military losses in Donetsk. Later, cybersecurity expert David Alexander joins the podcast to explore the history of state-sponsored cyber operations—from the 2007 attack on Estonia to pre-positioned malware in critical infrastructure. He discusses NATO's legal frameworks under the Tallinn Manual, the realities of offensive cyber capabilities, and the emerging risks posed by AI-driven tools like Mythos. Finally, Saul and Roger answer listener questions regarding thermobaric weapons, civilian evacuations, and Belarus’s precarious strategic position. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
September 2 · 38 min
432. Saving the SAS & The Management of Fear
In this episode of The Big Picture, host Patrick Bishop is joined by former soldier, military entrepreneur, and author Tim Spicer. Patrick and Tim discuss Tim’s latest book, An Axe and Four Balloons, which tells the story of Brian Franks—the former Etonian and hotel manager who became a wartime commando and is credited with saving the SAS from extinction after the Second World War. Tim explores Franks’s military career, from his early days in the Middlesex Yeomanry and commando raids in the desert, to leading 2 SAS during the perilous Operation Loyton in the Vosges Mountains and his post-war hunt for German war criminals. The discussion broadens into big-picture concepts of military philosophy and modern society. Tim reflects on the nature of leadership and shares his definition of courage as "the management of fear." They also examine the qualities of historical mavericks, whether modern political leadership is lacking, and whether the youth of today would step up to defend their country if called upon. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 27 · 57 min
431. Hell in Kherson – Life under the Drones & CIA's Secret Moscow Mission
In this episode of Battleground, Patrick Bishop and Saul David delve into high-stakes diplomacy and the gruelling realities of life on the front lines. First, the hosts analyse the sudden, clandestine visit of CIA Director John Ratcliffe to Moscow. What brought a US military aircraft to Russia's capital for an eight-hour stay, and what does it mean for the future of Western support for Ukraine? Patrick and Saul debate whether the trip was a stern warning against Russian sabotage in NATO countries or an attempt by Washington to enlist Moscow’s help in resolving tensions with Iran. They also look at Europe's shifting defence posture, including news of joint nuclear deterrence talks between Germany, Britain, and France. Then, Patrick and Saul are joined by Hungarian journalist and filmmaker Emma Strauss, fresh off a reporting trip to the frontline city of Kherson. Emma delivers an extraordinary and harrowing eyewitness account of a civilian population living under constant terror. Located just three kilometres from Russian positions, Kherson is bombarded daily by FPV and fibre-optic drones targeting movement in the streets. Emma shares stories of local hospital workers walking to work in constant fear, the hidden danger of air-dropped mines, and her own heart-stopping experience coming under direct drone attack. You can find Emma Strauss on Instagram by following her: @emastrauss Finally, the hosts answer listener questions covering political rifts within Kyiv's top leadership, the strategic viability of Russian mobilisation efforts, and potential Ukrainian targets on Russian supply lines. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 25 · 49 min
430. Hungary’s New Dawn: 100 Days of Péter Magyar
In this instalment of Battleground: The Big Picture, host Julius Strauss takes a deep dive into Hungary’s seismic political shift following the April elections. After 16 years of rule, Viktor Orbán was swept aside by political newcomer Péter Magyar and his Tisza party. Now nearly 100 days into Magyar's mandate, we examine what this historic transition means for Hungary, the European Union, and the remnant of the old regime. Julius is joined by Nick Thorpe, the BBC’s long-standing Budapest correspondent with four decades of reporting experience across Eastern Europe. Together, they analyse Magyar’s energetic start, his aggressive strategy using Orbán’s own constitutional tools to dismantle the system, and early missteps like the "Polgár fiasco". Key Topics Covered: The Fall of Orbán: Why the long-serving strongman conceded quietly on election night and what became of his political apparatus. 100 Days of Tisza: How Péter Magyar’s inexperienced government is navigating parliamentary marathons, social media diplomacy, and high public expectations. Dismantling the Machine: The controversial use of majoritarian powers to overhaul public broadcasting, oust key regime figures, and replace the presidency. Accountability vs. Retribution: The delicate legal and political tightrope of prosecuting past corruption while avoiding a cycle of revenge. Immediate Crisis & Future Outlook: Economic strains, energy challenges, and whether Tisza can deliver a true "civic Hungary" Julius Strauss writes the blog Back from the Front and also owns and runs Wild Bear Lodge, a bear-viewing lodge, in Canada. Check out both in the links below: Substack: https://backfromthefront.substack.com/ Wild Bear Lodge: https://wildbearlodge.ca/ Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 21 · 43 min
429. Fedorov's Challenge: A Governance Crisis in Kyiv?
In this episode, Saul David and Patrick Bishop analyse the political shockwaves in Kyiv following former Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov's controversial call for wartime presidential elections. They examine the rising tension within the Ukrainian leadership, the removal of key officials, and the appointment of Yevhenii Humarra as the new Defence Minister. The hosts also discuss the increasing impact of Ukraine’s long-range drone strikes on Russian infrastructure and oil refineries, which are creating widespread fuel shortages across Russia. Plus, they explore reports of British-manufactured drones being used in these deep-strike missions, recent front-line developments, new EU cybersecurity legislation, and answer questions from listeners. Fundraiser & Donation Details Matt's Charity Cycle: Listener Matt is cycling from the Ukrainian Embassy in London to Ukraine to raise funds. You can support his journey and help him reach his £22,500 target via his JustGiving Fundraising Page. Pickups for Peace: Special thanks to Pickups for Peace for donating the support vehicle for Matt's trip, which will be donated upon arrival in Lviv. Check out their social media channels for donation links and to support their ongoing efforts. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 19 · 43 min
428. Echoes of ’91: The Fall of the USSR and Putin’s Future
In this episode of Battleground: The Big Picture, host Roger Moorhouse sits down with renowned historian and author Robert Service to dissect the historical threads connecting the fall of the Soviet Union to Vladimir Putin’s present-day Russia. Drawing from his recent work on the August 1991 coup, Bob reflects on his first-hand experiences in Moscow, the sudden collapse of Soviet institutions, and the complex legacies left behind by Mikhail Gorbachev and Boris Yeltsin. Together, they explore how the political and economic missteps of the 1990s shaped today’s authoritarian landscape, the mounting internal pressures on Putin’s regime amid the war in Ukraine, Russia's shifting geopolitical reliance on China, and whether historical parallels suggest a breaking point is near. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 13 · 56 min
427. Election Bans, Drone Offensives & National Resilience
The war in Ukraine reaches a critical new phase as Patrick Bishop and Saul David analyse Ukraine’s unprecedented, deep-strike drone campaigns into major Russian cities—and the Kremlin's nervous crackdown on domestic anti-war opposition ahead of upcoming elections. Plus, long-time friend of the podcast Askold Krushelnycky joins the show after returning from a grueling trip to Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, and Kyiv. Askold gives a sobering update on the grim reality facing Ukrainian forces in the east, the strain on air defences, the political tension surrounding Volodymyr Zelenskyy and former minister Mykhailo Fedorov, and why a cornered Vladimir Putin presents a dangerous threat as the conflict wears on. Finally, Patrick and Saul unpack the rising threat of Russian cyber and disinformation programmes in Europe and answer listener questions on national resilience and defence spending. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 12 · 35 min
426. The American Pope: Leo XIV, Trump, and the New Vatican Soft Power
In this episode of The Big Picture, Patrick speaks with leading religious and political journalist Catherine Pepinster to examine the soft power, geopolitics, and spiritual influence of Pope Leo XIV (Robert Prevost). Episode Highlights The Rise of Pope Leo XIV: How the Augustinian friar and former missionary in Peru became leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, positioning him as a unique "American outsider" on the global stage. Clashes with the White House: An analysis of the high-profile disputes between Pope Leo, Donald Trump, and Vice-President J.D. Vance regarding foreign intervention, rhetoric on Iran, and controversial religious imagery. Reinterpreting "Just War" & AI: Discussion of the Pope's encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, which tackles the ethics of artificial intelligence (developed with input from tech figures like Anthropic co-founder Chris Olah) and argues that traditional just war theory is outdated. The Global Shift in Faith: Examining religious trends across the globe, from youth curiosity in the UK to rapid church growth across the Global South and Pentecostal shifts in South America. UK Politics & Vatican Diplomacy: How new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's Catholic upbringing influences his social values, and an insider look at Vatican diplomacy—including Archbishop Sir Paul Gallagher's mission to Moscow. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 6 · 36 min
425. Summer Special: The Caspian Strike, Falklands 2.0 & Deterring Russia
We are currently on a very short summer break, so instead of our regular news update, hosts Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop are diving into listener questions for a special long-form Q&A episode. Don't worry—we will be back next week with all the latest news and updates from the ground. In this episode: Zelenskyy’s Post-War Legacy: Drawing parallels to Winston Churchill’s defeat in the summer 1945 general election, the hosts explore whether President Volodymyr Zelenskyy should announce he won't stand for re-election post-war—and discuss Ukrainian adaptability in missile production. The Falklands Conflict War-Gamed: Inspired by recent Argentine football celebrations and an analysis by military historian Mark Felton, Patrick reflects on his own time in Port Stanley in 1982. They examine Argentina's military rearmament plans and evaluate how modern drone and missile technology could alter a present-day conflict. Iran, Russia, and the 'Axis of Evil': Is Iran seeking nuclear weapons as a security guarantee amidst attacks from Israel and the US? Roger and Patrick evaluate the likelihood of Russia or North Korea supplying nuclear tech and discuss the broader implications of this growing alliance. Crimean Strategy & The Kerch Bridge: A listener asks why the Kerch Bridge remains open. The team discusses whether leaving an escape route for Russian civilians and troops might be a deliberate, ingenious strategy to help liberate the peninsula. Old Kit vs New Tech: Are the 49 Abrams tanks donated by Australia actually useful, or are they obsolete in the age of drone warfare? Morality in the Caspian Sea: The hosts tackle the ethical grey areas surrounding Ukraine's recent strike on an Iranian ship carrying arms in the Caspian Sea and discuss the rapid expansion of Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities. Is Russia Still a Threat to NATO? As Western nations ramp up defence spending, Roger and Patrick examine whether Russia remains a credible military threat to NATO or if Western rearmament is strictly about deterrence. We'll be back next week with all the latest! Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 4 · 25 min
424. Radek Sikorski on Russia’s Evolving Threat, European Defence, and the War in Ukraine
In this episode of The Big Picture, host Roger Moorhouse is joined by Polish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Radek Sikorski for an in-depth discussion on European security, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the evolving threat posed by Moscow. Minister Sikorski assesses how the conflict has reshaped NATO’s eastern flank and forced Europe to confront years of strategic complacency, he addresses the realities of Russia’s military capabilities and hybrid warfare tactics, the challenges facing Ukrainian refugees, and the delicate path towards EU integration. Sikorski also offers a frank perspective on historical memory between Poland and Ukraine, the credibility of NATO’s Article 5 under a changing political landscape in Washington, and why Europe must urgently build its own core defence capacity. Join the Conversation: If you have a question about the war in Ukraine or any of the conflicts we cover, email us at podbattleground@gmail.com Follow us on: X - @PodBattleground Instagram - podbattleground Producer: James Hodgson A Goalhanger Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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