The Brink

In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Lionel Shriver for a wide-ranging conversation anchored in the results of the Gorton and Denton by-election and what they reveal about the changing political landscape in Britain.Using the by-election as a starting point, we explore how immigration, identity politics, and cultural division are reshaping British politics. Lionel reflects on the growing disconnect between political elites and the public, and why questions around national identity, integration, and social cohesion are increasingly dominating the political conversation.The discussion also turns to the wider cultural climate in the West. We examine the pressures shaping public debate, the influence of identity politics in media and institutions, and why many writers and public figures now feel constrained in what they can say openly. Lionel explains why she believes a culture of self-censorship has taken hold and how this affects journalism, literature, and democratic discourse.Finally, we ask what the future holds for Western societies as these tensions deepen. Are we witnessing a political realignment driven by cultural issues, and what does that mean for the stability of democratic institutions?This is a candid and thought-provoking conversation about politics, culture, and the forces now reshaping Britain and the wider West.Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/sectarian-muslim-voting-is-changing?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueDon't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction03:22 Reaction to the Gorton & Denton By-Election05:37 Immigration, Demographics and Political Power07:08 Tribal Voting and the Breakdown of Assimilation08:16 Identity Politics and the Green Party Alliance10:18 Israel, Palestine and Progressive Politics10:58 Who Is Manipulating Whom? Greens vs Muslim Voters12:32 The Muslim Brotherhood and Political Strategy15:22 Is Islam Compatible With Liberal Democracy?18:38 Historical Parallels: Lessons from the Iranian Revolution20:15 Lionel Shriver’s Novel A Better Life and Immigration24:20 Borders, Nationhood and the Ideological Divide26:32 Immigration as “Home Invasion” — The Novel’s Metaphor27:26 Old Immigration vs Modern Immigration31:14 Choosing the Right Immigration Policy36:23 Disorder, Gang Culture and Failed Integration37:12 Meet the Characters: Gloria and Progressive Compassion39:16 Nico and the Collapse of the Work Ethic43:41 Domingo, Masculinity and Cultural Conflict48:29 The Decline of Western Work Ethic51:03 Is There a Sensible Middle Ground on Immigration?54:40 The Crisis of Western Identity56:13 Civilisations in Decline and Cultural Self-Hatred59:19 Complacency, Fragility and the Future of the West Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode of The Brink, recorded in Kyiv, Andrew and Jake speak with American photojournalist Christopher Occhicone, who has spent years documenting the war in Ukraine from the front line.Chris explains what it is like to report from the battlefield with nothing but a camera, capturing the brutal realities of trench warfare, drone attacks, and the human cost of the conflict. Having worked closely with Ukrainian soldiers, medics, and civilians since 2014, he reflects on the desperation faced by those fighting and living through the war, and the difficulty of communicating that reality to audiences in the West.The conversation explores what many Europeans and Americans still fail to grasp about the conflict, from the psychological toll on Ukrainian society to the stark difference between watching war on a screen and experiencing it firsthand. Chris also shares how his work has evolved beyond journalism, helping wounded soldiers access treatment and prosthetics while continuing to document the stories of those caught in the conflict.Finally, he reflects on the personal motivations that brought him to Ukraine in the first place, including a desire to understand the wartime experiences of his grandfather and the powerful bonds formed among people facing danger together.This is a raw and deeply personal conversation from the heart of a country still fighting for its survival. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Richard Dearlove, former Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, for a wide-ranging conversation about intelligence, geopolitics, and the mounting confrontation between the West and the Iranian regime.Sir Richard draws on decades of experience at the heart of Britain’s intelligence community to explain how the current crisis with Iran should be understood. We discuss the strategic calculations behind Western and Israeli actions, how intelligence agencies assess regime stability, and why the Islamic Republic remains such a persistent threat to regional and global security.The conversation also explores the role of intelligence in modern conflict, from covert operations and alliance cooperation to the limits of diplomacy when dealing with ideological regimes. Sir Richard reflects on how Western intelligence services interpret signals from Tehran, the risks of escalation in the Middle East, and what the conflict could mean for the wider balance of power.Finally, we look at the long-term future of the Iranian regime and whether internal pressure, economic strain, and external confrontation could ultimately lead to its collapse.This is a rare and revealing conversation with one of Britain’s most experienced intelligence figures about espionage, statecraft, and the high-stakes struggle now unfolding in the Middle East.Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/mi6-spymaster-reveals-the-shadow?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueDon't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by military analyst and former Royal Navy officer Tom Sharpe to examine Britain’s response to the escalating crisis in the Middle East and the deeper problems facing the UK’s armed forces.We begin by looking at the current military situation around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, including the role of naval deployments, missile threats, and the strategic importance of keeping global shipping lanes open. Tom explains why the UK’s naval presence matters in this kind of conflict and what capabilities British forces could realistically contribute alongside the United States.The conversation then turns to a wider critique of Britain’s defence posture. From delays in deploying ships to chronic shortages of equipment and personnel, we explore how decades of decline have left the Royal Navy and wider armed forces stretched dangerously thin. Tom also breaks down the failures in defence procurement, the waste within the system, and why Britain struggles to translate a large defence budget into real military capability.Finally, we discuss the strategic choices facing the UK. Should Britain focus on European security and the Russian threat, or continue playing a global role alongside the United States in regions like the Middle East? And what would it actually take to rebuild a military capable of meeting the challenges of an increasingly unstable world?This is a candid and sobering discussion about Britain’s military decline, the realities of modern warfare, and the urgent reforms needed if the UK is to remain a credible power.Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/what-the-royal-navys-shame-says-about?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueDon't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Hillel Neuer to examine the role of the United Nations during the escalating crisis in Iran and to ask whether the institution is still capable of acting as a moral authority in world affairs.Hillel argues that the UN’s response to the Iranian uprising has exposed deep structural problems within the organisation. While tens of thousands of protesters were reportedly killed during the regime’s crackdown, many UN bodies remained largely silent, yet quickly condemned the United States and Israel when military action was taken against the Iranian regime.We explore how authoritarian states have gradually come to dominate key UN institutions, from the Human Rights Council to special rapporteur positions, and why mechanisms that were originally intended to defend human rights are now often used to advance political agendas. Hillel also explains how propaganda, procedural manoeuvres, and ideological alliances shape the way international law and legitimacy are discussed on the global stage.Finally, we ask whether the UN can realistically be reformed, or whether democracies must find new ways to defend liberal values in a world where authoritarian regimes increasingly shape international institutions.This is a candid and provocative conversation about international law, moral authority, and the struggle over the institutions meant to uphold the global order.Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/p/iran-war-how-the-un-has-been-hijacked?r=63dafpDon't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction03:21 The UN’s Reaction to the Iran Protests05:00 Why the UN Condemns the US and Israel06:36 October 7 and the UN’s Anti-Israel Bias10:12 Why the UN Still Won’t Condemn Hamas10:45 How Dictatorships Captured the UN12:25 Why the UN Still Holds Global Legitimacy14:14 Is the UN Actually Effective?15:52 Can the UN Be a Neutral Legal Arbiter?18:58 Iran’s Long War Against America20:00 When International Law Undermines National Interest21:39 Why Moral Action Sometimes Means Ignoring the UN25:00 How the UN Was Hijacked After Decolonisation27:00 The Role of the UN Secretariat29:17 Special Rapporteurs and the Accountability Problem35:05 The Genocide Accusations Against Israel Explained40:30 Calling Out Hypocrisy at the United Nations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Norman Roule to unpack the unfolding war with Iran and the strategic thinking behind the campaign against the Islamic Republic.We discuss how the military operation has unfolded so far, why Iran’s response has followed a predictable pattern of drones and ballistic missiles, and what the campaign reveals about the strengths and weaknesses of the Iranian regime. Norman explains why Tehran may avoid closing the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic miscalculations that may have shaped Iran’s early decisions, and how Gulf states are navigating a conflict happening on their doorstep.The conversation also explores the broader geopolitical stakes. We examine the role of intelligence cooperation between the United States and Israel, the limits of air power in forcing regime change, and the difficult question of what a post-conflict Iran might look like. Could the regime collapse, or could the country descend into fragmentation and unrest?Finally, we discuss the long-term implications for the Middle East, from the future of the Abraham Accords to the possibility of deeper security integration among Gulf states. This is a wide-ranging and sobering conversation about war, intelligence, and the uncertain path toward a more stable Middle East.Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/cia-iran-expert-this-war-will-change?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueDon't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/Chapters 00:00 Introduction03:24 Inside the US Campaign Against Iran05:42 Why Iran Won’t Close the Strait of Hormuz08:00 Strategic Failures Inside the Iranian Regime10:05 Why This Was the “Moment” to Act11:54 The Courage of the Iranian People15:00 Trump’s Strategy: Keep the Enemy Guessing17:02 The Kurdish Question and Risks of Fragmenting Iran19:28 Why Iranian Protests Haven’t Overthrown the Regime22:09 Can Air Power Bring Down the Islamic Republic?25:37 US–Israel Intelligence Cooperation Against Iran30:32 The Gulf States’ Real Position on the War35:33 Why the Gulf Feels Abandoned by the International Community38:10 Europe, Trump and the Fracturing of the Western Alliance40:00 Will the Abraham Accords Expand After This War?42:12 How Defeating Iran’s Proxies Could Transform the Middle East46:57 The Intelligence Case for War With Iran49:40 Imminent Threats, Terrorism and the Logic of Military Action Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/the-war-the-mainstream-media-doesnt?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueIn this special episode of The Brink, recorded in Kyiv to mark the fourth anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion, Andrew and Jake bring you a powerful double interview from the front line of Europe’s most consequential war.In the first half, we are joined by Colonel Ruslan Miroshnichenko, known by Santa, founder and commander of Ukraine’s Second International Legion. He tells the extraordinary story of building a multinational fighting force from scratch in the first chaotic weeks of the invasion, drawing volunteers from more than 30 countries. From British and American veterans to Colombian, Georgian, and Australian fighters, Santa explains what motivated them to leave their lives behind and fight for Ukraine.He describes the brutal reality of trench warfare in the Serebriansky Forest, the evolution of drone and electronic warfare, and the moral weight of commanding both seasoned soldiers and inexperienced young volunteers. We also hear gripping stories from the front line, including the capture of Russian prisoners, the human cost of the war, and the responsibility he feels towards the families of fallen international fighters.In the second half, we are joined by Heorhii Tykhyi, former war correspondent and now a senior diplomat at Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Georgi reflects on the staggering casualty figures on both sides and argues that despite Russia’s vast losses, Vladimir Putin has failed strategically. We discuss the state of the peace process, the role of the United States under President Trump, and whether Washington remains a reliable partner for Kyiv.The conversation broadens to the emerging axis of Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China, and why Ukraine sees itself not as a recipient of Western charity but as a battle-hardened asset to European security. Georgi makes the case that Ukraine’s experience, technology, and resilience are essential to the future defence of the West.This is a sobering and urgent episode from the Ukrainian capital, combining battlefield reality with geopolitical strategy, and asking what it will truly take to secure peace in Europe.Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/Chapters 00:00 Introduction03:05 Zelensky’s Call and the Birth of the International Legion04:55 Who Joined? 30–40 Nations on the Front Line09:34 Motivation: Idealism, Not Money13:31 What Modern War in Ukraine Actually Looks Like16:01 “Now You’re the Taliban” – Firepower Reality Check17:49 Amateurs at War: Can You Train Civilians Fast Enough?21:26 Holding the Sebriansky Forest: 13 Months Under Fire23:18 Russia’s “Meat Grinder” Tactics Explained24:29 Capturing Russian POWs: Drunk, Lost, and Mobilised29:06 Respecting the Enemy and Adapting to Russian Tactics31:42 Electronic Warfare and Intelligence Games33:47 The Burden of Command: Speaking to Bereaved Families35:56 Kyiv’s War Memorial and the Cost of Sacrifice37:10 Casualty Figures: A Million Russian Losses?39:30 Is This a Strategic Failure for Putin?40:44 World War II Comparisons and Russian Myth-Making42:26 The Peace Process: Pressure, Ultimatums and Reality43:29 America’s Role: Partner, Powerbroker or Problem? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Haviv Rettig Gur for a wide-ranging and deeply probing conversation about why Israel is so disproportionately hated, and what that hostility reveals about the state of the West.We begin with the disruption of Haviv’s lecture at Haverford College, where keffiyeh-clad activists attempted to shut down a talk on Jewish history and the charge of settler colonialism. Haviv reflects on the ignorance driving campus activism, the collapse of serious historical scholarship, and the failure of elite universities to equip students with intellectual depth or empathy.Haviv argues that Israel’s strength lies in its synthesis of Western democracy and Middle Eastern solidarity, combining liberal institutions with a deep sense of tribal cohesion and shared destiny. We discuss why that social trust has produced military resilience, demographic growth, technological innovation, and high levels of national happiness, even during wartime.The conversation also examines the broader crisis facing Western societies, from cultural self-erasure and collapsing social trust to the information warfare being waged by hostile states and ideological movements. We ask whether the West can rediscover the solidarity that once sustained it, and whether Israel’s model offers lessons rather than condemnation.In the second part of the episode, Andrew joins to discuss his new Henry Jackson Society report, Tactical Lessons from Gaza, and what Western militaries must learn from the war. We examine how Hamas weaponised civilian casualties, how the information battlefield reshaped global opinion, and how Israel adapted its military doctrine in real time to meet the challenge of urban and tunnel warfare.This is a searching and urgent conversation about identity, democracy, and whether the West still has the confidence to defend the civilisation it built.Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/the-real-reason-israel-is-targeted?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueDon't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, Andrew is in the hot seat as we discuss his new report for the Henry Jackson Society, Tactical Lessons from Gaza, a detailed and highly praised analysis of the war and what Western militaries can learn from it. The report has been read and commended by senior military figures around the world, including four-star generals in the United States, Canada, and Australia.Andrew explains why the Gaza war has become the most politicised conflict in modern history, and how Hamas successfully turned battlefield defeat into strategic influence by weaponising civilian casualty figures. We unpack how propaganda, NGOs, international institutions, and the media helped reshape the narrative of the war, often ignoring context, verification, and basic military realities.The conversation moves deep into the realities of combat in Gaza. We explore Hamas’ vast tunnel network, the use of human shields, and the extraordinary bravery required of Israeli soldiers fighting underground. Andrew sets out how the IDF adapted in real time, developing new approaches to combined arms warfare, intelligence fusion, special forces integration, and urban combat under unprecedented conditions.We also examine operational and logistical failures, from ammunition shortages to supply chains under fire, and what these challenges reveal about Western unpreparedness for large-scale war. The discussion covers intelligence failures before October 7, the limits of technology without human intelligence, and why information warfare now plays a decisive role in shaping public support for conflict.Finally, we turn to the most important lessons of all. Andrew explains how Israel dramatically reduced battlefield deaths through medical innovation, forward-deployed doctors, and whole blood transfusion, saving hundreds of lives that would have been lost in earlier wars. We ask whether Britain and its allies are willing to learn these lessons, or whether ideology and propaganda will once again stand in the way.This is a rigorous, challenging, and essential conversation about modern warfare, truth, and what the West must confront before the next major conflict arrives.Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/the-brutal-and-honest-truth-about?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueDon't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode Andrew and Jake were on Iran International for a special joint appearance on the London based anti regime television channel, bringing the podcast’s analysis directly to an Iranian audience watching from inside the country and across the diaspora.In a wide ranging conversation with Iranian presenter Negar Mojtahedi, who herself is on the regime’s death list, we discuss the brutal crackdown on protesters, the scale of the killings, and why Iran’s uprising has received so little sustained attention in the West. Drawing on reporting from inside the country, we examine mass executions, torture, internet shutdowns, and the use of fear to crush dissent.The discussion turns to Donald Trump’s approach to Iran, the limits of diplomacy, and what military action would realistically look like. We explore whether the regime can be pressured into collapse, the risks of normalising Tehran through a deal, and why the Iranian leadership’s ideology makes genuine compromise unlikely.We also address the information war now playing out on Western streets and online, where regime propaganda is amplified by activists who frame Iran solely through the lens of opposition to Israel. From protests in London to the exploitation of Western guilt and confusion, we examine how the Islamic Republic uses disinformation to shield itself from accountability.Finally, we ask what a free Iran could actually look like, the role of figures such as Reza Pahlavi, and whether the international community is willing to stand with the Iranian people rather than sacrifice them to geopolitical convenience.This is a sobering and urgent conversation about tyranny, propaganda, and why Iran’s struggle matters not just to Iranians, but to the future of the free world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Sir Trevor Phillips, writer and broadcaster, for a wide-ranging and deeply revealing conversation about power, loyalty, identity, and the moral state of Britain.We begin with the explosive recent revelations surrounding Peter Mandelson and his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Sir Trevor speaks candidly about friendship, loyalty, and where moral lines are drawn when serious allegations emerge. He reflects on why he chose to publicly stand by a long-time friend, and what it reveals about hypocrisy. The conversation then widens to Sir Trevor’s own life and career, from growing up in an immigrant family to becoming one of the most prominent voices in British public life. He explains why he has repeatedly challenged orthodoxies on race, identity, and multiculturalism, and why he believes honesty about integration and cultural difference matters more than political comfort.We explore the failures of multicultural policy, the rise of segregation, and the challenge of extremism in a liberal democracy. Sir Trevor discusses Muslim integration, the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, and why authorities too often appease the loudest voices rather than enforcing equal standards under the law. He also reflects on Britishness, arguing that a shared civic culture matters more than rigid or performative definitions of identity.The discussion turns to the media and journalism, where Sir Trevor delivers a sharp critique of activism in newsrooms, the loss of curiosity among younger journalists, and the collapse of the distinction between reporting and advocacy. He explains how this has distorted coverage of Israel, antisemitism, and major cultural issues, and why public trust has eroded so badly.This is a frank, challenging, and intellectually rich conversation about loyalty, courage, and what it will take to hold a diverse society together without losing confidence in truth or moral clarity.Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/sir-trevor-phillips-i-stand-by-peter?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueDon't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:35 Sir Trevor Phillips on Peter Mandelson 16:06 Navigating Establishment and Challenging Orthodoxy 22:11 Empathy and Understanding Different Perspectives36:43 Muslim Integration and Multiculturalism44:39 Challenges of Extremism and Ghettoization Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don't forget to claim your free one-month trial here: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/newyeartrial In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Atbin Moayedi & Haleh Blake to examine the unfolding catastrophe in Iran, where the death toll from the latest nationwide uprising has risen above 30,000 while much of the Western media remains largely silent.They have been working relentlessly to document what is happening inside the Islamic Republic and to get the truth out to journalists, governments, and the public. Drawing on direct contact with people on the ground, they describe mass killings, executions, mass graves, chemical weapons, and the use of hospitals as sites of repression.The conversation explores how the regime has imposed a de facto military lockdown across the country, cutting off internet access, arresting people in the streets, and targeting anyone with signs of protest. We discuss the systematic use of torture, sexual violence, organ removal, and financial extortion of grieving families, as well as the psychological toll this violence is taking on Iranians both inside the country and across the diaspora.We also confront the failure of international institutions, Western governments, and major news organisations to respond with urgency. We ask why Iran receives so little coverage compared to other conflicts, how economic and geopolitical interests shape media narratives, and why the Islamic Republic continues to enjoy impunity despite its actions at home and abroad.Finally, we look ahead to what comes next. We discuss the role of Reza Pahlavi, the possibility of international intervention, and whether this moment represents a genuine chance for the collapse of the regime and the birth of a free Iran.This is a harrowing and essential conversation about courage, hypocrisy, and one of the worst human rights crises of our time.Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/iran-bloodbath-why-is-the-media-silent?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueDon't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/Chapters00:00 – Introduction01:43 – A People’s Revolution, Not a Proxy War04:09 – 30,000 Dead: What’s Really Happening on the Streets06:15 – Iran as a Military State08:36 – Door-to-Door Arrests & Hospital Executions10:52 – Organ Removal, Silence & Regime Brutality12:16 – Why the Media Looked Away14:46 – Oil, Gas & the Money Behind Silence18:16 – Why Gaza Dominates Coverage19:43 – The Regime’s Lobbying Network in the UK & US22:58 – Western Media as Regime Amplifier25:28 – A Universal Human Rights Struggle28:07 – Celebrity Silence & Moral Cowardice32:26 – Who Iranians Really Are Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Don't forget to claim your free one-month trial here: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/newyeartrial In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Gaza-born analyst and one of the most prominent moderate Palestinian voices. Drawing on his upbringing in Gaza and his work today as a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, Ahmed offers a rare and deeply personal account of life under Hamas.Ahmed describes how Hamas systematically groomed children through schools, mosques, and summer camps, recounting his own childhood experiences of indoctrination, intimidation, and early encounters with Hamas leadership. He explains how the group transformed religious spaces into propaganda hubs, used violence to impose social control, and built a generational system of radicalisation that many in the West still fail to understand.The conversation turns to Gaza today. Ahmed outlines the existence of two parallel societies, one living in extreme deprivation and another protected by access to salaries, aid networks, and Hamas-controlled taxation systems. He exposes how aid is diverted, how hospitals are used as centres of repression and torture, and how Hamas has rebuilt its finances since the ceasefire through taxation and intimidation.We also examine the Muslim Brotherhood playbook, its influence in the UK and across the West, and why moderate Palestinian voices are often silenced by intimidation from Islamist networks. Finally, Ahmed sets out a stark assessment of Gaza’s future, the failure of the so-called peace mechanisms currently being proposed, and what would actually be required to dismantle Hamas and give Palestinians a genuine chance at a different future.This is a sobering, courageous, and essential conversation about extremism, truth, and the human cost of allowing ideology to triumph over reality.Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/final-hostages-are-home-palestinian?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueDon't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:18 Early Indoctrination & Life in UNRWA Schools06:35 The Second Intifada & Radicalisation of Children10:12 Personal Encounters with Hamas Leaders14:50 Mosques, Schools & the Indoctrination Pipeline16:53 The Muslim Brotherhood Playbook Explained21:06 Groomed by Hamas & the Road to Asylum24:03 Exporting Radicalisation to the West27:07 Why Moderate Muslims Are Silenced29:00 The UK’s Blind Spot on Islamist Networks30:02 Saudi Arabia, Abraham Accords & Regional Power32:04 Why Gaza Must Reject the “Resistance Narrative”35:12 A Pragmatic Path Forward for Palestinians Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special live episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Rachel Riley and Brendan O’Neill for a powerful and often confrontational discussion about antisemitism, Holocaust memory, and the moral collapse of Western institutions since October 7.We begin with the alarming decline of Holocaust education in British schools and ask why Jewish history is increasingly treated as a provocation rather than a warning. Rachel explains how fear, appeasement, and cultural cowardice have led schools and institutions to erase Jews rather than confront antisemitism, while Brendan argues that comparisons between Gaza and the Holocaust represent a dangerous inversion of history and morality.The conversation widens to Britain’s failure of integration, the influence of Islamist ideology, and how appeasement has shaped policing, education, and public life. We examine the Aston Villa and West Midlands Police scandal, exposing how misinformation, institutional bias, and political pressure led to the exclusion of Israeli fans and the creation of what amounted to a Jew-free zone.We also explore the role of the media, social platforms, and NGOs in spreading propaganda, the double standards applied to Israel compared to Iran and other conflicts, and why antisemitism has re-emerged in respectable language under the banner of anti Zionism. The panel reflects personally on why they continue to speak out, despite professional and social costs, and whether there are still grounds for hope.This is a raw, urgent, and unflinching live conversation about truth, courage, and what happens when a society loses the confidence to defend its own values.Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/the-wests-antisemitism-crisis-with?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueALSO, don't forget to claim your free one-month trial here: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/newyeartrialDon't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Michael Gove, former Cabinet minister and one of the most influential figures in modern British politics, for a wide-ranging and unusually frank conversation about power, ideology, and the state of the country.Michael reflects on the dramatic realignment of British politics, from high-profile defections to Reform UK and the collapse of the old centrist consensus, to the internal struggles facing both the Conservative Party and Labour. He shares his thoughts on leadership, loyalty, ambition, and what political life is really like behind closed doors.Michael also reflects on his appearance on The Rest is Politics…where Jake brings up some of the most heated moments…The conversation explores immigration, Islamism, free speech, and the failure of successive governments to confront extremism with honesty and confidence. We discuss the rise of moral relativism, the role of the media, and why difficult conversations about culture, security, and national identity are so often shut down rather than addressed.This is a thoughtful and revealing conversation about politics after the age of certainties, and what Britain must confront if it is to recover confidence in itself and its institutions.Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/must-watch-michael-gove-slams-centrist?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueALSO, don't forget to claim your free one-month trial here: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/newyeartrialCheck out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, Iranian researcher and analyst Kasra Aarabi joins us. He has extensive networks within Iran’s protest movement and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, offering a sobering and urgent account of the situation on the ground.Drawing on documents obtained from inside IRGC headquarters and direct contact with protest leaders, our guest explains how the regime’s vast infrastructure of repression operates at every level of Iranian society. We discuss the use of military-grade weapons against unarmed civilians, the scale of arrests and executions, and why the death toll is likely far higher than officially reported.The conversation explores how Iran’s violence is no longer contained within its borders. From regime-sponsored attacks on British soil to the radicalisation of children in the UK, we examine why what happens in Iran directly threatens Britain’s national security. We also confront the failure of Western governments to proscribe the IRGC, the silence of political leaders, and the dangerous double standards applied by the media and international institutions.Finally, we look ahead to what comes next. We discuss the prospects for regime collapse, the role of external pressure, the risks of insurgency, and what a post-Islamic Republic Iran could realistically look like. From a secular republic to a constitutional monarchy, we ask what the Iranian people actually want and what the West should do if it truly believes in freedom and human rights.This is a powerful and unsettling conversation about tyranny, courage, and why Iran’s struggle matters far beyond its borders.Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/the-real-death-toll-in-iran-and-why?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueDon't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 02:30 – Death Tolls, Internet Blackouts & Brutal Crackdowns04:50 – Kasra’s Background & Inside Access to the Regime06:28 – Understanding the IRGC From the Inside08:17 – Regime Threats on British Soil11:10 – Why What Happens in Iran Affects the UK12:15 – Why Britain Refuses to Proscribe the IRGC15:30 – Iran’s Infrastructure of Radicalisation in Britain18:14 – Indoctrination, Antisemitism & Islamist Ideology20:38 – The Silence of the Western Left on Iran Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Kwasi Kwarteng, former Chancellor of the Exchequer, for a wide-ranging and unusually candid conversation about power, politics, and the realities of governing Britain.Kwasi reflects on his dramatic rise and fall in office, the chaos surrounding the mini-budget, and what it was really like to be at the centre of one of the most turbulent moments in modern British politics. He explains what went wrong, what he would do differently, and why he believes the political system struggles to tell the truth about economic trade-offs.We also explore his life beyond frontline politics, from his media work to his interest in business and Bitcoin, as well as his background, education, and journey into Parliament. The conversation ranges across identity politics, meritocracy, the decline of public trust, and why Britain’s institutions feel increasingly disconnected from the people they serve.Finally, we look at the current state of British politics. Kwasi gives his assessment of Labour’s economic direction, the rise of Reform, the breakdown of the two-party system, and what the next election could mean for the country’s future.This is a thoughtful and revealing conversation about ambition, failure, loyalty, and the long-term challenges facing Britain as it once again finds itself on the brink.Enjoy a 30-day free trial of The Brink’s Substack: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/newyeartrialWatch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/kwasi-kwarteng-id-do-a-better-job?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueDon't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/00:00 – Introduction 03:11 – From Power to Private Life06:08 – The Mini-Budget Fallout08:44 – Labour, Tax Rises & Public Disillusion12:06 – Britain’s Fractured Party System14:50 – Family Background, Education & Identity18:55 – Rejecting Identity Politics23:56 – Entering Politics & Street-Level Campaigning28:11 – Inside Parliament & Political Institutions33:00 – Becoming a Minister38:16 – Backing Liz Truss & Becoming Chancellor40:31 – The Mini-Budget: Pace, Panic & Mistakes44:46 – Markets, the Bank of England & What Went Wrong48:16 – Deep State vs Political Responsibility51:01 – Public Spending, Welfare & Growth55:00 – Labour’s Economic Direction58:43 – Immigration, Culture & Political Realignment1:03:03 – Reform, Conservatives & the Future of the Right1:06:59 – Loyalty, Power & Stopping the Left1:07:18 – Final Reflections on Britain’s Political Future Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special end of year episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake look back on 2025, reflecting on the moments, conversations, and events that defined the year and shaped the world we are heading into in 2026.We revisit some of the standout interviews from the past twelve months, including conversations with Yoav Gallant, Yossi Cohen, Bari Weiss, Tom Holland, Neil Ferguson, and Nick Timothy. From Israeli intelligence and the war in Gaza to extremism in Britain, media failure, and the collapse of Western confidence, we discuss what these guests revealed about the moment we are living through.The conversation ranges across the year’s biggest themes, including leadership, war, antisemitism, media bias, protest movements, and the growing instability in the Middle East and the West. We also give our picks for moments of the year, figures of the year, and the decisions that left us shaking our heads.Finally, we look ahead to 2026. We discuss what gives us hope, what worries us most, and whether the West still has the moral and cultural foundations to recover from the crises it faces.This is a wide ranging and honest reflection on a turbulent year, and a look at what may lie ahead as the world stands once again on the brink.Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/Chapters 00:00 – Looking Back on 202504:28 – Israel, War Leadership & October 706:07 – Extremism in Britain & Political Failure09:47 – Immigration, Social Media & Cultural Fragmentation11:57 – Gaza Protests & Progressive Radicalism15:06 – Media, Antisemitism & the Trust Crisis19:43 – Sh*t of the Year25:17 – Man of the Year31:13 – Woman of the Year 36:06 – Moment of the Year39:27 – WTF of the Year: Strategic Blunders44:04 – Laughter in a Dark Year45:23 – Hopes, Fears & the World Heading into 202652:28 – Final Reflections & What Comes Next Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by French philosopher, writer, and public intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy for a wide ranging conversation about the fate of the West, the wars in Ukraine and Israel, and the values now under threat across liberal democracies.Bernard explains why Ukraine and Israel are fighting the same battle against the same enemies, and why Russia, Iran, Hamas, and radical Islam belong to a single ideological axis. Drawing on years spent on the battlefield and reporting from war zones, he reflects on courage, sacrifice, and what it means for a nation to defend itself when its very existence is at stake.The discussion turns to the West itself, its Judeo Christian foundations, the crisis of patriotism, and the loss of historical memory that has left many societies unwilling to defend their own values. We explore the rise of radical Islam, the failures of multiculturalism, the dangers of moral relativism, and why Jews are often the first victims when civilisations lose confidence in themselves.Bernard also reflects on Donald Trump, the fragmentation of the West, and whether American and European values can survive the political turbulence of the coming years.This is a profound and searching conversation about history, faith, war, and the moral courage required to defend civilisation before it is too late.Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/trump-is-splitting-the-west-and-the?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueDon't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/Chapters 00:00 Introduction 08:24 Trump's Support for Israel and Russia's Aggression11:03 The West's Values and Trump's Impact15:33 The Role of the West in Countering Radicalism19:30 The West's Military Challenge and Israel's Resilience25:04 The Struggle Against Radical Islam in France38:23 The Role of Ideas and the Importance of Universal Values Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by Anne Herzberg, Legal Adviser at NGO Monitor, to examine how international NGOs have become deeply entangled with Hamas in Gaza and how Western taxpayer money has been misused as a result.Anne walks us through explosive findings based on Hamas documents seized by the IDF, revealing how aid organisations were monitored, infiltrated, and manipulated through so called “guarantors.” We discuss how cash aid programmes were diverted, how humanitarian projects were shaped around Hamas’ military needs, and why many NGOs remained silent despite knowing what was happening on the ground.The conversation also exposes the role of Western governments, including the UK, and the failure of oversight within institutions like the UN and major charities. We explore the “halo effect” that shields NGOs from scrutiny, the use of lawfare and libel threats to silence journalists, and how propaganda claims around famine and genocide have had real world consequences, from ICC warrants to the prolonging of the war itself.This is a disturbing but essential conversation about aid, accountability, and how good intentions have been exploited by a terrorist organisation, with consequences that continue to shape the conflict today. Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/p/revealed-how-british-and-european?r=63dafpDon't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:25 Anne Hertzberg's Background and NGO Monitor's Mission06:14 Influence of NGOs and Media Bias11:43 Hamas' Control over NGOs in Gaza24:38 Hamas' Civil Service and Military Interaction32:00 Cash-Based Programs and Diversion of Aid 37:04 Meetings with Hamas and NGO Officials43:55 NGOs' Complicity and Long-Term Consequences Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.