Facing Coming Storms: Talking International Defence

What do war films really teach us - not just about conflict, but about who we think we are, and what we believe we’d do when it matters?In this Christmas episode of Facing Coming Storms, we step slightly sideways from our usual focus on geopolitics and defence technology to explore war movies and popular culture and what they reveal about society’s relationship with conflict.We’re joined by Robert Hutton and Duncan Weldon from the War Movie Theatre podcast, alongside Patrick Bury, former British Army officer and now Professor of National Security Studies. Together, we talk about the films we grew up with, the ones that still resonate, and the striking absence or difficulty of telling stories about more recent wars.What We Explore - Why War Movies Matter: We reflect on how war films act as a cultural classroom - teaching generations what courage, leadership, sacrifice and loyalty are supposed to look like.- Generations, Memory and Distance: We compare how different generations encountered war through cinema - from Second World War films shown on Sunday afternoons, to Vietnam-era classics, to the far thinner cultural record of Iraq and Afghanistan.- Action Films vs War Films: We draw a clear distinction between spectacle and substance, asking why the most enduring war films are rarely about explosions and almost always about people under pressure.- Failure, Defeat and Groupthink: From A Bridge Too Far to Kajaki, we explore why some of the most powerful war films are about mistakes, moral ambiguity and institutional failure and what they teach us about leadership and decision-making.- Modern Wars and the Storytelling Gap: We ask why Iraq and Afghanistan have produced relatively little mainstream cinema, and whether proximity, political discomfort, or unresolved outcomes make these conflicts harder to process.- War, Preparation and Deterrence: The conversation widens to the present day - how societies prepare for conflict, why deterrence depends on credibility, and why the goal of preparation is often to ensure war never happens at all.- Culture, Identity and the Information Space: We reflect on how narratives, myths and memory interact with today’s information environment and why misremembering past wars can be as dangerous as forgetting them.As we close, one theme keeps resurfacing: war stories endure because they are never just about war. They are about character, pressure, loss, loyalty, and the choices people make when there are no good options left.In a moment where the idea of conflict feels uncomfortably close again, these stories remind us that preparedness is not bravado, and reflection is not weakness. Understanding how we’ve told these stories before may be one of the ways we avoid having to live them again.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What happens when the speed of modern warfare outpaces the systems designed to manage it?In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, we are joined by Eva Sula, Estonian defence advisor and mentor at NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator (DIANA), and Robert Fetters, former U.S. Army paratrooper and special operations officer now working in defence technology. Together, we explore how defence innovation is colliding with institutional barriers and what that means for NATO, Europe, and the future battlefield.What We Explore- Why Ukraine Changed Everything: We reflect on how the war in Ukraine has redefined innovation cycles, battlefield learning, and the brutal reality of contested environments and why lessons from even last year are already outdated.- Estonia’s Frontline Perspective: Eva shares how Estonia’s history, geography and digital-first mindset have shaped its defence posture, innovation culture, and sense of urgency and why small countries often adapt faster than large alliances.- Drones, AI and the Pace of War: We examine why drones dominate modern conflict, why counter-drone systems struggle to keep up, and how AI is being applied unevenly across defence - often more in PowerPoint than in practice.- Procurement vs Reality: Robert explains the gap between what operators need and what procurement systems deliver, including how budgets, incentives and bureaucracy lead to duplicated effort, wasted money, and capabilities that never reach the field.- Training for the Wrong War: We question whether conventional forces are still being trained for a battlefield that no longer exists and why a special operations mindset is becoming essential for all units.- Collaboration as Deterrence: We return again and again to the same conclusion: real deterrence comes not from isolated innovation, but from genuine collaboration - across borders, services, industries and institutional barriers And it’s never easy Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

From volunteering in March 2022 to whispering in the ear of Ukraine’s High Command and authoring the paper that birthed an entirely new branch of the military, Ukrainian-born Canadian national Illya Sekirin has been at the heart of Ukraine's drone revolution rewriting the rules of warfare.We explore the thinking that led President Zelenskyy to create the Unmanned Systems Forces as Ukraine’s fourth armed service, the impact that has had on wider existing frontline forces and the future of “drone blitzkrieg" in which an overwhelming assault of unmanned systems might deliver history.What You’ll Learn- Drone Blitzkrieg Defined: How cheap, massed drones have replaced traditional artillery and armour as the new kings of the battlefield.- Birth of a New Military Branch: The inside story of the paper Illya wrote that convinced Zelenskyy to spin drones out into their own service (and why traditional commanders are furious). - The China Dependency Crisis: If the next war cuts Western supply lines, Russia keeps flying while NATO stalls - unless we act now.Illya Sekirin isn’t just watching the drone revolution - he’s one of the people who built it. His book Rise of the Machines – Drone Warfare in the Russia-Ukraine War: Tactics, Operations, Strategy is out in January.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What happens when the West stops writing the rules and every middle power starts playing its own game at the same time?Peter Apps reunites with Samir Puri, Director of the Centre for Global Governance and Security at Chatham House. From Trump’s transactional peace pushes to China’s mineral land-grab and the growing power of emerging middle powers, they map a world where old empires fade and new ones rise - often in the same contested spaces.What You’ll Learn- The Middle-Power Free-for-All: Why countries from Indonesia to Kazakhstan now hedge between Washington, Beijing, and Moscow and what that means for tomorrow’s battlefields.- The Real New Scramble: It’s not colonies this time; it’s lithium, cobalt, rare earths, Arctic shipping lanes, and the infrastructure deals that lock in influence for decades.- Climate + Tech + Geopolitics: The triple storm quietly redrawing the global map faster than any single war ever could.Samir Puri’s big-picture clarity cuts through the noise: we’re not sliding into a new Cold War - we’re stumbling into a hotter, messier, multipolar scramble where everyone wants a seat at a table that keeps getting bigger and less predictable.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

We talk with neurologist Dr Nicholas Wright – adviser to the Pentagon Joint Staff and US nuclear strategists amongst others on the functioning of the brain – about his new book "Warhead", which dissects modern conflict and military history from the perspective of spent their career studying how our brain structure, cognitive biases, stress, and human decision-making will shape and potentially derail modern warfare, from Ukraine’s trenches to potential flashpoints in space and cyber domains.What You’ll Learn- Importance of Training: How rigourous and challenging training can both deliver the instincts to survive in challenging crises, while also building the flexibility to adapt when situations change.  - Stress and Snap Decisions: Why fatigue and cognitive biases turn even trained leaders into high-stakes gamblers and the lessons from history that keep repeating in today’s battlefields.  - Tech Changes, Humans Remain: Drones and AI walls may redefine tactics, but the unpredictable human element – shaped by our our neurology – remains a solid constant. Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

As winter grips Ukraine's frontlines and Chinese warships circle Taiwan, the shadows of escalation stretch across two hemispheres, testing alliances and resolve.In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps convenes experts from the Institute for the Study of War - George Barros (Russia & GEOINT Team Lead) on Moscow's grinding push toward Pokrovsk, Matthew Sperzel and Daniel Shats (China Analysts) on Beijing's intensifying grey-zone pressure around Taiwan. They explore Russian tactical gains amid Ukrainian shortages, China's blockade rehearsals, and the dangerous interplay between these crises as Western resolve wavers.What You’ll Learn- Pokrovsk Under Threat: Russia's assaults exploit Ukrainian manpower and munitions gaps, risking a key logistical hub just as corruption crisis hits the Kyiv government.- China's Creeping Coercion: Escalating patrols, simulated blockades, and military pressure are designed to isolate Taiwan and influences politics without firing a shot.- Linked Destinies: How weakness in Europe signals opportunity in Asia, underscoring the need for unified deterrence against coordinated authoritarian revisionism.This exchange is a stark reminder that today’s battles are fought on parallel fronts and the outcome in one may well decide the fate of the other.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if the UK's defence future hinges not on its own capabilities, but on bridging gaps in an unpredictable US partnership?In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps speaks with Matthew Savill, Director of Military Sciences at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), about his two decades in the MOD - from Iraq intelligence to Ukraine support and the evolving US-UK relationship amid Trump's return. They discuss hybrid threats, rapid tech shifts in Ukraine, procurement pitfalls, and Europe's uneven readiness for escalating conflicts.What You’ll Learn- US-UK Dynamics: How unpredictability in US policy challenges shared interests, from deterrence ambiguity to public spats on defence spending.- Ukraine's Tech Battlefield: The interplay of drones, electronic warfare, and tactics reshaping combined arms, with lessons from rapid iteration amid industrial-scale losses.- UK Defence Realities: Why procurement delays, force specialisation, and whole-of-society readiness must evolve to deliver coherent power beyond small-scale contributions.Matthew’s insights underscore that in a world of rising confrontations, honest self-assessment and swift adaptation aren't optional - they're the keys to credible deterrence.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if the real frontline of modern conflict isn’t on the battlefield, but in the minds and screens of everyday people?In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps is joined by Simon Paterson, former British Army Intelligence officer and head of strategic partnerships at Boon Global, and Margot Fulde-Hardy, investigator at Graphika and ex-French government official. Together, they unpack the evolving world of information operations - from Russia’s hybrid tactics post-Crimea to China’s sophisticated influence campaigns - exploring how AI, social media, and state actors are reshaping global narratives, sowing division, and challenging democracies.What You’ll LearnThe AI Supercharge: How large language models and autonomous tools are amplifying disinformation volume and sophistication, from poisoning narratives to fully automated campaigns.State Actor Playbooks: Insights into Russia’s aggressive hybrid warfare and China’s subtler, network-driven approaches targeting diaspora communities and global perceptions.Building Defences: Why cross-sector partnerships, rapid fact-checking, and societal resilience are key to countering manipulation without eroding free speech.This conversation highlights that in an era of cognitive warfare, awareness and collaboration aren’t just tools, they’re essential shields for safeguarding truth and stability.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

Power without a plan: what happens when the world’s strongest military hits pause?In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Pete Apps sits down with Nikolas Gvosdev, Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute and Professor of National Security Studies at the U.S. Naval War College, to unpack the geopolitical and strategic turbulence surrounding the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.From unpaid federal workers to the future of American global posture, they explore how domestic political deadlock collides with an increasingly unpredictable international landscape. Nikolas sheds light on how this uncertainty ripples across alliances, procurement, and operations from the Caribbean to Eastern Europe and why questions about U.S. reliability are reshaping how friends and rivals alike see America’s role in the world.What You’ll LearnShutdown Shockwaves: How a lapse in funding disrupts U.S. military operations, civilian workforces, and global confidence.Strategic Drift: Why political instability is creating unpredictable shifts in U.S. defence posture and alliance planning.New Power Models: How Washington’s turn towards private-sector security and external funding could reshape future military commitments.This episode is a reminder that strategy doesn’t exist in a vacuum - it’s forged in the space between politics, power, and perception.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

As the balance shifts beneath our feet, new maps are drawn - not on paper, but in power itself.In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps is joined by Dr Peter Layton, retired Royal Australian Air Force officer and visiting fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute, to unpack how changing power dynamics are reshaping security in the Indo-Pacific.From China’s rapid military expansion and the future of Taiwan, to the evolving roles of Australia, the US, and regional players like Japan, India, and Southeast Asia, together they explore the tensions, alliances, and strategic calculations shaping the decade ahead.What You’ll LearnStrategic Shifts: How alliances, basing decisions, and military postures are changing across the Indo-Pacific.Economic Power Plays: Why China’s manufacturing strength and strategic signalling are as influential as its military might.Uncertain Futures: How regional hedging, accidental escalation, and innovation will shape how nations respond to rising tensions.This conversation is a timely reminder that the future of global security may be decided far from Europe’s borders. Understanding the dynamics of the Indo-Pacific is no longer optional, it’s essential.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What happens when an army built for the past must face an uncertain future?In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps sits down with Ben Barry - Senior Fellow for Defence and Military Analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies and author of The Rise and Fall of the British Army, 1975–2025 for a sweeping conversation charting five turbulent decades of British military history.From Cold War tank battles and the Falklands to Iraq, Afghanistan, and the modern NATO front line, they trace how the British Army has evolved, adapted, and in some ways, struggled to keep pace with the world it’s meant to protect against.What You’ll LearnPast Lessons, Future Fights: How the Cold War, Falklands, and Gulf War shaped the Army’s doctrine and what those lessons mean for today’s threats.Culture & Capability: Why the shrinking size of the force has widened the gap between the Army and the society it serves, and why that matters for modern warfare.Strategic Realities: The hard truths behind NATO’s Strategic Reserve Corps role and the logistics, readiness, and ambition it demands.This episode is a powerful reminder that military capability isn’t just about equipment or numbers - it’s about mindset, memory, and preparation. Ben shows us why understanding the past isn’t nostalgia, i’s strategy.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if the wars of the future look nothing like the wars of the past?In this live edition of Facing Coming Storms, recorded at the Hereford Military History Festival, Pete Apps is joined by two leading voices on conflict: Sir Antony Beevor, Britain’s most acclaimed military historian, and Patrick Bury, former Royal Irish Regiment officer and security lecturer at the University of Bath. Together, they explore how the character of war is shifting - from the trenches of history to the drone-filled skies of today.The discussion ranges from the lessons of Stalingrad and the Second World War to the realities of Ukraine and beyond. Along the way, they tackle the rise of AI and autonomous weapons, the brutality of state-on-state fighting, and the question of how democratic societies can mobilise for conflict in an age of disinformation and division.What You’ll Learn- History’s Lessons: Why the past never repeats neatly - but still offers vital warnings for the present.- Technology and Warfare: How drones, AI, and modern weapons are changing the battlefield in unexpected ways.- Resilience and Society: What it takes for nations to prepare, mobilise, and endure in times of war.This thought-provoking conversation reminds us that while the tools of war may change, its human costs remain constant. It’s a call to understand the storms gathering on the horizon and to think seriously about how we face them.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if the next great naval revolution was already underway?In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps speaks with Admiral Nils Wang - former head of the Danish Navy and Danish Defence College, now senior naval advisor and defence industry board member about the future of maritime warfare in an era defined by drones, AI, and hybrid threats.Together, they explore how unmanned systems are reshaping naval power, why Europe faces a shipbuilding crisis, and what Denmark's position between the North Sea and Baltic reveals about the challenges ahead. From the Arctic to the North Atlantic, Admiral Wang explains why navies must rethink force structure, embrace AI-supported surveillance, and adapt doctrine to a new tempo of conflict.What You'll Learn- Unmanned at Sea: Why drones and AI are as disruptive as the missile revolution of the 1960s.- Industrial Deterrence: How shipbuilding and missile production bottlenecks threaten Western resilience.- Future of Navies: Why numbers, adaptability, and young innovators will define the next decade.Admiral Wang's insights remind us that the coming storms at sea will demand not just powerful ships, but new ways of thinking, producing, and leading.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if NATO's biggest threat wasn't Russia but America's retreat?In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, we welcome back Sten Rynning, Professor of War Studies at the Danish Institute for Advanced Studies and lecturer at the NATO Defence College. Author of NATO: From Cold War to Ukraine, Sten returns to unpack the turbulence shaking the alliance as the Trump administration redefines transatlantic security.From drone incursions into Polish airspace to NATO's shifting command structures, we explore how the U.S. is pulling back from conventional defence, doubling down on nuclear control, and leaving Europeans to fill the gap. Sten explains the rise of "mini-lateral" coalitions, the dangers of de-institutionalisation, and the growing unpredictability of both Russian provocations and Western political shifts.What You'll Learn- US-NATO Tensions: Why America's "tough love" approach risks weakening alliance cohesion.- European Security Shifts: How regional coalitions and defence spending are reshaping the balance.- Future Risks: What Russian provocations, far-right politics, and China mean for Europe's stability.Sten's insights remind us that NATO's strength has always come from unity and that preserving it in an era of uncertainty may be the hardest challenge yet.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

The war in Ukraine is not just a regional conflict – it is a testing ground for the future of warfare and a frontline in the wider confrontation between authoritarian regimes and the West.In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps is joined by Bob Seely, former Member of Parliament, reservist and author of The New Total War. Drawing on his unique background and family legacy, Bob shares how the war in Ukraine is reshaping modern conflict and what it reveals about Russia's strategy, from the battlefield to political warfare.We discuss the rapid evolution of drone technology, why Ukraine has become the crucible of 21st-century ground warfare, and how the West risks falling behind in both readiness and resilience. Bob also explains how Russia's approach blends military and non-military tools-from propaganda to cyber operations-into a single, integrated form of warfare, and what that means for NATO, Eastern Europe, and the global balance of power.What You'll Learn- Modern Warfare Lessons: Why Ukraine and Russia are redefining ground tactics for the drone age.- Russia's Strategy: How Moscow combines military force with political, economic, and information warfare.- Global Implications: What this conflict means for NATO, Eastern Europe, and the risks of wider escalation.Bob's insights remind us that Ukraine is not just fighting for its survival-it is showing the world the future of warfare, and the urgent need for us to be ready.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if cutting-edge technology could redefine global defence strategies?In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps is joined by James Black, Deputy Director at RAND Europe and an expert in strategic competition and emerging technologies. Together, they explore the transformative power of defence technology, its profound implications for global security and industry, and key lessons from history, with a spotlight on the DSEI showcase - a premier event for defence industry leaders.What You'll Discover- Technological Innovation: How soldiers and strategists can leverage AI, drones, and other breakthroughs to drive defence advancements.- Alliance Building: Why strengthening coalitions is critical to countering authoritarian advantages during peacetime.- Deterrence Strategies: How coordinated, resilient responses can prevent conflicts and enhance global stability.We dive into military applications, tackle procurement challenges, and analyse industrial dynamics, revealing how democracies can harness alliances for robust deterrence. James' insights provide strategic clarity, empowering listeners to navigate future challenges and foster global collaboration.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if understanding limited nuclear war could prevent global catastrophe? In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, we explore the chilling realities of nuclear risks and war planning with Bob Manning, Senior Research Fellow for Strategic Deterrence at the Heritage Foundation and a veteran of nearly 20 years in the US Department of Defence, and Leo Keay, a PhD candidate and parliamentary researcher.We explore non-strategic nuclear weapons, escalation scenarios involving Russia and China, NATO's role, and US deterrence strategies, drawing from their report on learning to navigate the bomb.What You'll Learn- Deterrence Dynamics: Grasp how non-strategic weapons influence limited conflicts to inform strategic planning.- Escalation Risks: Recognise thresholds in Russian and Chinese doctrines to anticipate potential nuclear use.- Policy Preparedness: Evaluate NATO's vulnerabilities and advocate for robust responses to emerging threats.We discuss real-world implications like Russia's aerospace attacks, China's hypersonic capabilities, and the need for credible US deterrence, including insights from historical contexts like the siege of Leningrad. Practical tips include fostering international dialogue and enhancing allied coordination for stronger security.Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What if peering into one leader's mind could shape the future of global defence? In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Peter Apps explores the psyche of Chinese President Xi Jinping with Michael Sheridan, a veteran foreign correspondent and author of The Red Emperor. Michael, who first reported for Reuters in 1980, shares insights from Xi's revolutionary roots to his iron grip on power, exploring his strategic thinking, Taiwan ambitions, and what might follow his rule.What You’ll Learn- Xi's Formative Influences: Grasp how his father's Red Army legacy and personal hardships forged a leader focused on discipline and national revival.- Taiwan Risks: Assess the calculated path to potential conflict by 2027, balancing military readiness with political caution.- Succession Scenarios: Prepare for a shift to collective leadership post-Xi, potentially easing tensions and opening reform paths.We discuss Xi's purge of rivals, his emphasis on consensus in decision-making, and the evolution of China's governance from Mao's era to today. For defence professionals, it's a toolkit for understanding adversary mindsets and anticipating strategic moves.Key Moments2:10 - The Rise of Xi Jinping4:35 - Impact of the Cultural Revolution9:05 - The Complexities of Taiwan14:03 - Taiwan's Independence and China's Stance19:20 - Understanding Chinese Military Structure25:04 - The Stakes of Potential Conflict28:38 - The Role of the U.S. in Taiwan32:21 - The China-Russia Relationship35:25 - Historical Grievances and Alliances40:06 - Benefits of the Ukraine War for China43:27 - Xi Jinping's Approach to U.S. Relations55:14 - Future Leadership in ChinaFacing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What’s shaping the Middle East’s evolving landscape? In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, we’re joined by Hayat Alvi, Ph.D., a professor at the US Naval War College, to explore the factors driving change in the region. We discuss how Iran’s regional strategies are adapting to new challenges and what their measured responses might indicate, drawing on Hayat’s expertise in international relations.We also examine shifting global dynamics, including the US’s growing focus on Asia, Europe’s efforts to navigate its role, and the broader impact of ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.Key moments3:05 - Middle East Dynamics5:31 - The Israeli-Iranian Conflict Unfolds8:19 - Complex Interests of Regional Players10:38 - Media Narratives and Public Sentiment12:53 - U.S. Military Strategy and Iran16:42 - The Trump Doctrine in the Middle East22:16 - Challenges of Conflict Resolution24:04 - The U.S. Position in the Region25:41 - Unmanned Systems and Future Warfare29:36 - Turkey's Evolving Role and Interests34:38 - Israel's Strikes and Syrian Dynamics38:58 - Regional Power Plays and ExpansionFacing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.

How do Russia's and China's militaries align and differ in today’s world? In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Mark Cozad, a RAND Corporation senior defence researcher and former US Air Force intelligence officer joins Peter Apps, to explore how NATO’s 1999 Kosovo campaign pushed both nations toward “non-contact warfare,” mixing precision strikes with political strategy to counter the West. Russia leans on mass mobilisation, as seen in Ukraine, while China bets on cutting-edge tech and institutional strength.We dive into the human and strategic factors - Russia’s purges and cultural shifts versus China’s lack of combat experience since 1979 - plus nuclear posturing, alliances, and flashpoints like Taiwan or Korea.Key moments1:45 - Non-Contact Warfare Explained6:54 - Military Evolution Post-19999:49 - Modern PLA vs. Russian Military16:09 - Chinese Perspectives on Taiwan Conflict30:05 - Internal Military Cultures33:24 - Planning and Execution Challenges42:12 - Future Directions for the PLAFacing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.