RUSI Journal Radio
RUSI Journal Radio is the podcast of the Royal United Services Institute's RUSI Journal. Hosts Demi Starks, Emma De Angelis and Ed Mortimer explore major issues in defence and security with experts who have written for the journal. Episodes cover topics such as misinformation, terrorism, AI, healthcare and climate change. The show aims to go beyond the written articles and discuss the wider context of these security challenges.
Episodes
S5E10: War at Sea: Lessons from Ukraine and Future Maritime Security
Alessio Patalano discusses the maritime dimensions of the Ukraine conflict and the shifting dynamics of naval strategy globally. There are many lessons to be learned from the maritime dimension of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Alessio explores maritime security and resilience, assessing both the operational dynamics and wider economic implications of the war at sea. He examines the challenges faced
S5E9: Resistance Networks and Total Defence
British Army officer Major Jon Armstrong discusses how resistance networks are formed and utilised, particularly in the current Russo-Ukraine war. From the makeshift resistance efforts seen in Ukraine to Sweden's carefully structured Total Defence approach, resistance networks can play a crucial role in a country's defence strategy. Armstrong talks about the different elements of resistance activi
S5E8: Autonomous Systems and The Future of Warfare
Paddy Walker and Elke Schwarz discuss the operational and ethical implications of autonomous systems in warfare. Paddy and Elke highlight the gap between expectations and reality, arguing that while AI-enabled technologies are often marketed as revolutionary, their real-world effectiveness remains uncertain due to data limitations, technical vulnerabilities and the challenges of human–machine
S5E7: Resilient Armed Forces
Patrick Bury, Reader in Warfare and Counter-Terrorism at the University of Bath, discusses the trade-offs, policy considerations, and potential solutions shaping the future of national security. With evolving geopolitical tensions, recruitment difficulties, and shifting societal attitudes, the UK armed forces currently face pressing challenges. Patrick explores the key trends shaping UK defenc
S5E6: Changing Power Dynamics in the Indo-Pacific
In this episode, Jamie Gaskarth and Laura Southgate discuss the evolving dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region. They talk about the region's economic importance and growing tensions due, at least in part, to the strained relationship between China and the US. They also discuss the implications for other powers, especially the UK, in seeking to balance security interests in both Europe and the Indo-P
S5E5: Mass Casualties, Mental Health and Leadership
In this episode, US and Royal Navy officers examine the mental health challenges experienced by the surviving crew following a mass casualty event. US Navy officer Ryan Easterday and Royal Navy Medical Officer Charlotte Evans use the tragic collision of USS John S McCain in 2017 as a case study to discuss the actions taken to address such mental health challenges. Ryan is an officer in the US Navy
S5E4: 2024 in Review: Books, Films and Pop Culture to Help Us Make Sense of the Unexpected
In this special episode, author August Cole and Professor David Gioe FRHistS reflect on the tumultuous events of 2024. They discuss the books, films and exhibitions that have helped make sense of the year's key defence and security developments, and share their insights on what the future might hold in 2025.
S5E3: The Evolution of Illicit Finance
RUSI researcher Maria Nizzero talks about the growing problem of illicit finance and its shift from a domestic policy issue to a security threat. She explains the process of the securitisation of illicit finance, what it means and the impact and challenges that will arise from it. Maria Nizzero is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Finance and Security at RUSI and was previously Associate Profess
S5E2: Foreign Influence and its Exploitation of Loneliness
Albin Östervall and Charlotte Wagnsson explain malign information influence and discuss how one key social factor – loneliness – is contributing to its pervasiveness in Western societies. They share why democracies are particularly vulnerable and suggest ways that how governments can mitigate this. Albin Östervall holds an MSc in Political Science from Uppsala University; Charlotte Wagnsson is Pro
S5E1: A New Approach to Sabotage
Elena Grossfeld and Magda Long discuss the evolution of Russian sabotage activities, from traditional sabotage to the current 'gig-economy' era. They also discuss how intelligence agencies can adjust their response to these covert actions, and whether the general public should be made more aware of them. Elena Grossfeld is a PhD candidate at the Department of War Studies, King's College London, re
S4E7: Artificial Intelligence and Wargaming
Major Patrick Hinton, Former Chief of the General Staff's Visiting Fellow at RUSI, discussed how AI can be used in military wargaming, recruitment and retention and procurement.
S4E6: Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain
Ingvild Bode, Associate Professor of International Relations at the University of Southern Denmark, talks about the integration of AI in military systems and discusses the emergence of norms and standards about the use of AI technologies in conflict.
S4E5: Domestic Politics and International Alignments in Latin America
Carlos Solar discusses how shifting domestic politics influence the way Latin American countries behave on the international stage, and analyses their divergent narratives about conflict and the future of the international order. Dr Carlos Solar is Senior Research Fellow in the International Security Studies team at RUSI. His current research is focused on security dynamics in the Americas, notabl
S4E4: Strategic Trends in Maritime Security
Tim Edmunds, Professor of International Security and Director of the Global Insecurities Centre at the University of Bristol, traces how maritime security – and our understanding of it – has changed over the past few decades. Joining Emma and Ed, Tim looks at how geopolitics, climate change and technology are changing both the threats and the opportunities at the heart of the maritime security age
S4E3: Women's Experiences of Sexual Violence in the Military
Harriet Gray, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of York, mental health nurse Nicola Lester and Emma Norton, lawyer and Director of the Centre for Military Justice, talk about their research on sexual violence in the British Armed Forces and discuss cultural and institutional responses.
S4E2: The Future of Counterinsurgency
Professor David Ucko, Professor at the College of International Security Affairs, National Defense University, in Washington, DC, discusses the history of counterinsurgency and irregular warfare, and the role of special operation forces in contemporary conflict.
S4E1: Food Security and International Geopolitics
Hosts Emma and Ed talk to Dr Jennifer Cole, Senior Lecturer in Global Planetary Health at Royal Holloway, and Dr Ivica Petrikova, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Politics, International Relations and Philosophy at Royal Holloway, discussing how the global food chain is affected by changing geopolitics, and how the UK can work to build a more resilient and fairer approach to food production an
RUSI Journal Radio Season Four Trailer
A preview of the season's upcoming episodes with RUSI Journal Editor Emma De Angelis and Deputy Editor Edward Mortimer.
S3E5: Moral Injury, Part II
In the second of two episodes on moral injury in the military, hosts Demi, Emma and Ed are joined by Katharine Campbell, a writer and neuroscientist. Katharine's biography of her late father Sholto Douglas, Marshal of the Royal Air Force Lord Douglas of Kirtleside, was published in 2021. It highlights his lifelong battle with post-traumatic stress disorder and was shortlisted for the 2018 Tony Lot
S3E4: Moral Injury, Part 1
Academic Andrea Ellner and author Katharine Campbell discuss the concept of moral injury. In the first of two episodes on moral injury in the military, hosts Demi and Emma are joined by Andrea Ellner, a Lecturer in Defence Studies at the Defence Studies Department at King's College London, based at the Joint Services Command and Staff College in Shrivenham. Andrea's work focuses on gender and secu
S3E3: Fiction and Future Wars
August Cole, best-selling author of Ghost Fleet, highlights the value of science fiction for military leaders. In this episode of RUSI Journal Radio, hosts Demi, Emma and Ed are joined by August Cole in a discussion on science fiction, future warfare and national security. August is a Non-Resident Fellow at the Brute Krulak Center for Innovation and Creativity at Marine Corps University and a Non-
S3E2: Supporting NATO: Public Opinion in Uncertain Times
How do public perceptions of foreign policy issues change in times of uncertainty, and what can they tell us about wider trends in defence and security? In this episode of RUSI Journal Radio, hosts Demi, Emma and Ed are joined by Catarina Thomson for a discussion on foreign policy attitudes and public opinion across NATO. Catarina is Associate Professor of Political Science and International Relat
S3E1: Farewell, Mr. Bond? Transforming the UK Public's Perception of Intelligence
An intelligence expert reflects on the facts and fictions inherent in the UK's perception of secret intelligence and proposes a move away from unhelpful stereotypes. In the first episode of RUSI Journal Radio's third season, Demi, Emma and Ed are joined by Dan Lomas, a Lecturer in Intelligence and Security Studies at Brunel University. Dan's research specialises in the use of intelligence to suppo
S2E8: Wrapping Up Season 2
In this episode of RUSI Journal Radio, hosts Demi, Emma and Ed reflect on the second season and share some of their favourite moments. During Season 2 of the RUSI Journal's inaugural podcast, they were joined by guests ranging from a Russian Studies expert to lecturers and research fellows, all of whom have contributed to the journal. RUSI Journal Radio returns later in the year and will explore t
S2E7: Investigating Radicalisation, Gender and Violent Extremism
Two counter-extremism experts revisit their international fieldwork on radicalisation, gender and countering violent extremism. In this episode of RUSI Journal Radio, hosts Demi and Ed are joined by Emily Winterbotham and Elizabeth Pearson for a wide-ranging discussion on radicalisation and gender. Emily is the Director of Terrorism and Conflict at RUSI, and her research focuses on (counter)terror
S2E6: Contemplating US Defeat in A Modern Conflict with China
Three strategy and policy experts from the US Naval War College explore the potential of an American defeat in a conflict with China. In this episode of RUSI Journal Radio, hosts Demi, Emma and Ed are joined by Anand Toprani, Nicholas Murray and Michael Dennis, who co-authored an essay in the RUSI Journal earlier this year on confronting the possibility of defeat. Recorded in February 2022, their
S2E5: Security, Defence and the Metaverse
How will the development of AI and the 'metaverse' impact security, defence and innovation? In this episode of RUSI Journal Radio, hosts Demi, Emma and Ed are joined by Keith Dear for a discussion on all things 'metaverse'. They explore the term's sci-fi origins, its application in security and defence, and whether creativity is a uniquely human activity. Keith is Director of Artificial Intelligen
S2E4: Finding Common Threads: From Climate Change to Cyberspace
US federal attorney and former Army Judge Advocate, Jody Prescott, explores how security concerns are weaved together. In this episode of RUSI Journal Radio, hosts Demi, Emma and Ed are joined by Jody Prescott for a wide-ranging conversation that covers climate change, morals in the military, Jackie Kennedy's iconic style, and more. Jody Prescott is a Lecturer at the University of Vermont, where h
S2E3: The Falklands War at 40: Writing the History of the Conflict
How do historians approach the study of conflicts still within living memory? And where do personal and professional histories intertwine? In this episode of RUSI Journal Radio, hosts Demi, Emma and Ed are joined by Helen Parr. Helen is a Professor of Modern and Contemporary History at Keele University and author of Our Boys: The Story of a Paratrooper (Allen Lane, 2018), which won RUSI's Duke of
S2E2: Shaping History: War and Russian Identity
How does the Russian state use 'history as a tool' to construct narratives in times of conflict? In this episode of RUSI Journal Radio, hosts Demi, Emma and Ed are joined by Julie Fedor for a reflection on the use of national histories and war memory in contemporary conflict and security narratives, and Russian state efforts to shape collective identity. Julie is a Senior Lecturer in Modern Europe
S2E1: Understanding the Origins of Russian Grand Strategy
Launching RUSI Journal Radio's second season, hosts Demi, Emma and Ed discuss Russian grand strategy and its evolution over time with Andrew Monaghan, a Russian Studies expert. Against the backdrop of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, this episode reflects on the principles that underpin contemporary Russian strategy, Vladimir Putin's political ascendancy, and the dangers of relying on historical anal
S1E7: Wrapping Up Season 1
In this episode of RUSI Journal Radio, hosts Demi, Emma and Ed reflect on the show's first season and share some of their favourite moments. During Season 1 of the RUSI Journal's inaugural podcast, they were joined by guests ranging from an award-winning photojournalist to professors and research fellows, all of whom have contributed to the journal. RUSI Journal Radio returns in March and will exp
S1E6: Behind the Lens
Award-winning photojournalist Susan Schulman discusses documenting the experience of conflict over the past two decades. In this episode of RUSI Journal Radio, hosts Demi, Emma and Ed are joined by Susan Schulman, an award-winning video, photo and print journalist. The RUSI Journal has published Susan's photo essays since 2004. During this time, she has documented experiences of conflict and clima
S1E5: Algorithms, Intelligence and Human Choice
In this episode of RUSI Journal Radio, hosts Demi, Emma and Ed explore decision theory and the application of algorithmic tools in intelligence with Peter Phillips, Associate Professor of Finance at the University of Southern Queensland, Australia. In 2020, Peter and his colleague, Gabriela Pohl, wrote for the RUSI Journal on countering intelligence algorithms.
S1E4: Strengthening Defence Healthcare
In this episode of RUSI Journal Radio, hosts Demi, Emma and Ed are joined by Martin Bricknell for a discussion on healthcare, resilience and future challenges. Martin is a Professor in Conflict, Health and Military Medicine at King's College London, and a Visiting Fellow at the Centre for Global Development. He served 34 years in the UK Defence Medical Services, culminating in his post as the Surg
S1E3: 21st Century Propaganda: Understanding Today's Threats
Threat actors' toolkits have evolved in the digital age. How can we respond effectively to manipulative messaging and the data that drives it? In this episode, hosts Demi, Emma and Ed are joined by David Gioe, Alicia Wanless and Daniel Dobrowolski to discuss the challenges facing the information environment and the measures that might protect it.
S1E2: Emotion as a Policy Tool
How can emotions inform better decision-making? And what do gothic novels and national security policies have in common? In this episode of RUSI Journal Radio, hosts Demi, Emma and Ed are joined by Claire Yorke for a discussion on atmospherics, the pandemic response, post-9/11 policymaking and more. Claire is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow in the Center for War Studies at the University of Southe
S1E1: The Realities of Information Warfare
What does contemporary information warfare look like, and are democracies equipped to cope with the consequences? In the first episode of RUSI Journal Radio, Haroro Ingram, a Senior Research Fellow with the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, talks about his research on malign influence activities and the Islamic State's information warfare. Joined by hosts Demi Starks, Emma De A
RUSI Journal Radio Trailer
RUSI Journal Radio offers thought-provoking conversations with academics, decision-makers and practitioners to lay out the defence and security debate for familiar and new audiences alike. The RUSI Journal has been a staple of the defence and security debate since 1857. As its inaugural podcast, RUSI Journal Radio features discussions with experts who have written for the journal on a diverse rang
