War plan or wish list - The UK Strategic Defence Review
Drones, AI, cyber warfare and nuclear weapons are a key part of the UK’s new Strategic Defence Review, along with conventional weapons. Chatham House experts unpack the strategy, spending pledges and how Britain should adapt its military to deal with Putin, China, and Donald Trump. Bronwen Maddox is joined by Chatham House experts Grace Cassy, Marion Messmer and Olivia O’Sullivan to unpack the strategy, spending pledges, and the UK’s place in a rapidly shifting global security landscape. Read our latest: The SDR presents an opportunity for the UK to become a leader in space – if it is followed by urgent investment The UK Strategic Defence Review draws the right lessons from Ukraine – but still relies on continued US commitment I was part of the team behind the UK Strategic Defence Review: Here is what shaped our thinking Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Executive producer - John Pollock. Produced by Amanda Nunn. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧 Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.
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35:24
What's the future for Gaza?
As Gaza reels from staggering humanitarian devastation, Bronwen Maddox speaks with Yossi Mekelberg, Stephen Farrell, and Julie Norman to unpack the political drivers of Israel’s war, the role of Donald Trump, and the region’s competing visions for Gaza’s future. From internal power struggles to shifting U.S. policy and Arab diplomatic proposals, this episode asks: what future is even possible for Gaza now? Read our latest: Gaza: War, hunger and politics The dissolution of the PKK could transform Turkey’s domestic politics and foreign policy Escalating conflict in Tripoli exposes the realities of false stability – and international neglect in Libya Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧 Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.
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34:01
Is Brexit finally done?
Nine years after the Brexit vote, a new UK–EU deal promises smoother trade and deeper cooperation — but is it the end of the Brexit saga or just another chapter? Bronwen Maddox digs into what the deal really means with Rod Liddle and Nicolai von Ondarza, from political fallout to Britain’s shifting role on the world stage. Read our latest: The dissolution of the PKK could transform Turkey’s domestic politics and foreign policy The Pandemic Agreement may weaken, rather than strengthen multilateralism Escalating conflict in Tripoli exposes the realities of false stability – and international neglect in Libya Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧 Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.
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29:32
Can the UK take on the EU, US and China?
As trade tensions, security concerns, and diplomatic crossroads converge, the UK’s bid for economic growth faces hard choices on the global stage. In this episode host Bronwen Maddox explores the UK’s complex balancing act between the EU, US, and China with guests Janka Oertel and Sir Martin Donnelly. Read our latest: The UK–EU summit will bring some progress on defence cooperation. But more could be done on aid and trade Trump’s Gulf tour exposes Netanyahu’s increasingly isolated position on Gaza The UK government should prioritize linking carbon markets at the UK–EU summit Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧 Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.
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33:42
Can India and Pakistan step back from the brink?
Tensions between India and Pakistan have surged following a deadly attack in Kashmir and air strikes by India inside Pakistan. With nuclear risks, regional diplomacy, and rising domestic pressures in play, what could prevent this crisis from spiralling further? In this episode, Bronwen Maddox discusses what this means for South Asia and the world with Marion Messmer, a senior research fellow with our International Security Programme; Chietigj Bajpaee, the senior research fellow for South Asia with our Asia-Pacific Programme; and Stephen Farrell, our head of News and Comment. Read our latest: After India’s missile strikes on Pakistan, the risk of accidental escalation is high India–UK free trade agreement signals deepening bilateral relations Urgent mediation to save the Indus Waters Treaty could be a route to de-escalation between India and Pakistan Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. Executive producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧 Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.
Chatham House director Bronwen Maddox hosts conversations with leading policymakers, journalists and Chatham House experts to provide insight into the latest international political issues.
Independent Thinking gives listeners the opportunity to engage with the high level conversations hosted by Chatham House.
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