The Brink

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.

In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by Ed Husain, author of The Islamist and Among the Mosques, to explore the roots of Islamist extremism, the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood, and what has gone wrong inside parts of Britain’s Muslim community.Ed traces the movement’s origins from Hassan al-Banna and Sayyid Qutb through to modern-day Hamas, explaining how fascist ideas, humiliation after empire, and Western missteps helped shape today’s jihadist ideology. He reflects on his own journey out of radical politics, the role of mysticism and Sufi Islam in countering extremism, and why banning alone can’t solve the problem.The conversation widens to Britain today, from Islamist influence in mosques and the dangers of an official “Islamophobia” definition, to the country’s own moral crisis, where secularism and self-doubt have left a vacuum easily filled by extremism. Together, we ask whether the West can rediscover confidence in its own values while helping a new generation of Muslims find peace within faith, not war against it.This is one of our most far-reaching conversations yet about faith, identity, and how both Islam and the West might renew themselves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by Colin Brazier, former Sky News presenter, and Danny Cohen, former Director of Television at the BBC, for an insider look at how Britain’s media lost its way.Drawing on decades inside Sky and the BBC, Colin and Danny explain how activism crept into journalism, how impartiality was replaced by ideology, and why both institutions now struggle with trust, bias, and credibility. From the BBC’s coverage of Israel and Gaza to Sky’s embrace of “woke” newsroom culture, they reveal the internal pressures and moral failures driving today’s media crisis.The conversation explores how younger journalists have brought activist politics into the newsroom, the decline of objectivity, and the collapse of impartial standards once taken for granted. We also discuss the future of broadcasting. From the rise of GB News and independent media to the growing influence of social platforms and algorithms that shape what the public sees.This is a rare, revealing, and deeply honest conversation about the state of British journalism and whether our media can ever win back the public’s trust.Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/its-activism-masquerading-as-journalism?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’re joined by David Patrikarakos, foreign correspondent and author of War in 140 Characters, for a gripping conversation on the end of the Pax Americana, the future of Ukraine, and the rise of a new global order.David explains why he argues that Putin’s invasion is not just about territory, but about rewriting the rules of the world order. From the fall of Bretton Woods to the decline of NATO, he lays out how the West’s complacency and moral fatigue have opened the door to a new era shaped by autocrats, propaganda, and drones.We also discuss Trump’s shifting stance on Ukraine, his strange admiration for Putin, and how America’s right is fracturing between pro-Israel conservatives and a new populist movement flirting with antisemitism and authoritarianism. David warns that the internet has unleashed a “death of truth,” where social media rewards lies, conspiracy, and outrage over reality.This is one of the most far-reaching episodes we’ve done. A discussion about war, technology, propaganda, and the collapse of old certainties as the world enters a dangerous new phase.Watch the full uncut episode here: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/podcastChapters 0:00 Introduction 03:52 David's Personal Connection to Ukraine05:37 Trump's Negotiation Tactics and Putin's War Aims10:33 The Role of NATO and the UK in the Conflict13:03 The Threat of Russia and the Need for Rearmament21:32 The Diffusion of Power and the Impact of Technology26:19 The Future of Ukraine and the Role of Europe34:11 Trump's Relationship with Putin and the Impact on US Politics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Alan Mendoza, Executive Director of the Henry Jackson Society and newly appointed Chief Adviser on Global Affairs for Reform UK. Alan reflects on his political journey from lifelong Conservative to joining Reform, and why he believes Britain needs bold, radical change to confront the crises it faces at home and abroad.We talk about the decline of the Conservative Party, the rise of Reform UK, and whether uniting the right is possible or even desirable. Alan explains what drew him to Reform’s energy, its commitment to national renewal, and its determination to challenge political correctness, restore pride, and defend British values.The conversation ranges from Reform’s economic vision and its stance on immigration, to foreign policy, Ukraine, and the threat of Islamism in Britain. Alan also addresses criticisms of the party, from questions about Nigel Farage’s leadership to concerns over internal controversies and its relationship with Israel and the Jewish community.This is a wide-ranging and revealing discussion about politics, ideology, and the future of Britain’s right…Watch the full interview here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/tory-defector-alan-mendoza-all-i?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueChapters00:00 Introduction 01:55 Core Beliefs and Political Values07:06 Transition to the Reform Party17:07 Reform Party's Potential and Challenges 30:13 Reform Party's Economic Policies and Growth38:46 Reform Party's Stance on Islamism and Anti-Semitism46:25 Reform Party's Support for Israel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Nick Timothy, Conservative MP and former Downing Street adviser, for a powerful conversation about extremism, free speech, and the cultural challenges reshaping Britain.We begin with the recent Aston Villa controversy, where Israeli fans were banned from attending a match against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Nick explains what this decision reveals about fear, community breakdown, and the failures of policing. He argues that Islamist influence, weak institutions, and political timidity have allowed extremists to shape the public narrative, leaving both Muslim and Jewish Britons feeling abandoned.The discussion explores the risks of introducing an official definition of Islamophobia, the growing reach of the Muslim Brotherhood in British life, and how misplaced tolerance has eroded freedom of speech and social unity. Nick calls for a renewed national mission that restores moral confidence, protects liberty, and confronts extremism without losing sight of Britain’s core values.This is one of the most urgent and thought-provoking conversations yet on The Brink, offering a clear-eyed look at faith, fear, and the struggle to reclaim Britain’s identity.Watch full interview here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/nick-timothy-mp-we-must-stop-the?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueChapters 00:00 Introduction02:45 Nick Timothy's Background and Aston Villa04:54 The Aston Villa Incident and Police Response09:15 Palestinian Flags and Extremist Narratives14:02 Nick Timothy's Confrontation at Aston Villa18:46 Public Order Offences and Free Speech22:35 The Islamophobia Definition and Its Implications28:53 The Muslim Brotherhood34:29 The Role of State Institutions and the Future of British Society Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Lord Nigel Biggar, theologian, ethicist, and author, for a fearless examination of Britain’s imperial past and the moral panic surrounding slavery, reparations, and “decolonisation.”We discuss the truth about Cecil Rhodes and the “Rhodes Must Fall” movement, how history has been distorted for ideological ends, and why modern activists are waging war on Britain’s past. Biggar dismantles the myth that British prosperity was built on slavery, exposes the historical illiteracy behind the reparations movement, and reveals how the British Empire ultimately became a global force for abolition and liberal reform.The conversation also explores the weaponisation of history — how critical race theory, guilt politics, and anti-Western ideology are eroding national pride and being exploited by hostile powers abroad. Biggar warns that this obsession with historical self-loathing is not about justice but about dismantling the moral confidence of the West.This is a bold and intellectually rigorous defence of historical truth and a vital reminder of the moral complexity behind Britain’s story.Watch the full conversation here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/slavery-empire-and-the-tyranny-of?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueChapters 00:00 Introduction02:49 Cecil Rhodes and the Rhodes Must Fall Campaign12:48 Historical Context and Misrepresentation of Rhodes14:24 The Role of Slavery in British Industrial Prosperity24:21 Universality of Slavery and Comparative Cruelty 29:03 British Efforts to Suppress Slavery34:25 The Nuanced View of the British Empire 40:24 Critical Race Theory and Historical Narratives
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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with historian and writer Niall Ferguson for a sweeping conversation on the West’s cultural and moral decline, from the rise of radical progressivism and Islamist ideology to the erosion of faith, patriotism, and social cohesion.Ferguson traces how Western elites, having abandoned Christianity and traditional values, opened the door to new forms of ideological extremism, from woke identity politics to anti-Israel movements shaped by Cultural Marxism. He explores the strange alliance between the radical Left and Islamists, the collapse of the political centre, and why both religion and national pride have become taboo.The discussion moves from the classroom to the battlefield, examining the crisis of Europe’s defences, the threat of a post-NATO world, and Ferguson’s own conversion to Christianity as a moral and cultural necessity for the survival of the West.A profound, provocative, and unflinchingly honest conversation on what’s gone wrong with Western civilisation and how it might yet be saved.Watch the full conversation here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/sir-niall-ferguson-weve-torn-up-the?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, Jake sits down with Tom Holland, historian and co-host of The Rest Is History, for a profound conversation about faith, Western civilisation, and the moral roots of our culture.We explore how Christianity shaped the West’s ideas of compassion, morality, and universal values — and what happens when a society begins to forget those origins. Holland explains how the cultural revolutions of the 1960s mirror past religious upheavals, why our politics still carry a deeply Christian imprint, and how secularism has inherited both the virtues and contradictions of faith.The discussion also turns to Islam, Judaism, and the tension between universalism and identity — from the invention of the medieval blood libel to modern antisemitism and jihadist ideology. Together, we ask whether the moral framework that built the West can survive without the religion that inspired it.This is a wide-ranging and deeply reflective conversation about belief, history, and what remains sacred in a disenchanted age.Watch the full conversation here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/a-civilisational-earthquake-tom-holland?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Lord Walney (John Woodcock) and MP Tom Tugendhat, former Security Minister, for a deep dive into Britain’s growing national security crisis. From Russian assassination plots and Chinese espionage to Iranian influence and homegrown extremism, this conversation exposes the threats the UK can no longer afford to ignore.We discuss how Britain’s institutions have become “deeply compromised,” why successive governments have failed to act on intelligence warnings, and the urgent need to ban organisations like the Muslim Brotherhood and IRGC. This conversation explains how economic interests, political cowardice, and cultural fear have left Britain open to infiltration from hostile powers and how this weakness is being exploited on the streets through protests, intimidation, and radicalisation.We also examine the failures of policing, the role of the media, and the question of whether Britain still takes national security seriously.This is a sobering and essential conversation about the threats facing modern Britain and what it will take to defend the country before it’s too late.Watch the full conversation here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/we-are-deeply-compromised-security?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Rapid Response clip, we react to Aston Villa’s shocking decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending their upcoming Europa League match — a move that has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about double standards, fear, and antisemitism in Britain.Andrew and Jake unpack how a combination of local politics, police weakness, and community intimidation led to this decision — and what it says about the state of Britain’s values. We explore how Islamist pressure, media hypocrisy, and political cowardice have converged to create a climate where protecting Jewish fans has become controversial.From the police’s failure to confront real threats, to the wider culture of capitulation spreading through British institutions, this rapid response asks: who really runs Britain’s cities — our elected government or the mob?This discussion is from our Substack Rapid Response series.👉 Access this rapid response in full here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/banning-israeli-football-fans-a-new?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Yossi Cohen, former Director of Mossad and one of the world’s most renowned spymasters. From leading the 2018 raid on Iran’s nuclear archive to brokering the Abraham Accords, Cohen has shaped some of the most pivotal moments in recent Middle Eastern history.We discuss the art of intelligence, emotional control under extreme pressure, and the secrets behind Mossad’s most daring operations — including the legendary “booby-trapped pages” that crippled Hezbollah. Cohen also reflects on Israel’s intelligence failures before October 7th, his criticism of the country’s leadership culture, and whether he could one day step into politics himself.This is a rare and candid conversation on espionage, leadership, and the moral choices that define the defence of Israel.Watch full episode here: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Rapid Response episode of The Brink, we react to the breaking news that Israeli hostages have finally been freed after two years in Hamas captivity. A moment of relief, sorrow, and reckoning for Israel and the wider West.We discuss the emotional weight of their return, the moral clarity of this moment, and what it reveals about the divide between those who stand for life and those who justify terror. From the international reaction and Western media’s coverage to the political failures that allowed Hamas to endure, we explore what this means for Israel’s future and for the moral state of our own societies.We also break down Donald Trump’s role in securing the deal, the geopolitical fallout with Qatar and Turkey, and what the next phase of this war could look like. This is a raw and timely Substack Rapid Response from The Brink.👉 To access all of our rapid response breakdowns and watch them live, sign up to our Substack: https://thebrinkpodcast.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we sat down with General Yoav Gallant, former Israeli Defence Minister during October 7th and the first year of the war, to discuss the future of Gaza, Britain’s stance under Keir Starmer, and the survival of Israel in the face of unprecedented threats.Gallant reflects on the horror of October 7th, the necessity of military force to bring hostages home, and why he believes leaders must act with strength rather than politics. We explore his “bubble programme” for Gaza’s future governance, the double standards Israel faces in the international arena, and his personal story as the son of Holocaust survivors who has dedicated his life to the principle of “Never Again.”We also discuss Britain’s role, the tension between values and interests, and what a long war with Hamas will mean for the Middle East and the West.This is a rare and candid conversation with one of Israel’s most senior military and political figures about war, survival, and the hard lessons of leadership in a time of crisis.Remember you can get the full interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.co.ukChapters 0:00 Introduction 1:07 General Gallant's Political Career and Military Experience 4:30 General Galant's Personal Story and Israel's Values 8:15 The Future of a Palestinian State19:19 The Role of Military and Political Solutions 24:54 The Role of International Forces in Gaza30:14 The Double Standard Against Israel 34:15 The Need for a Comprehensive Reconstruction Plan 36:52 The Importance of Military Strength and Political Will Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Something different today… this is our Substack Rapid Response, where we break down the horrific events in Manchester, a suspected terror attack leaving victims injured and now dead and a community shaken.We break down the CST’s frontline role in protecting synagogues, to the toxic propaganda climate fuelling antisemitism, to Britain’s wider counter-terror failures. We dig into what this means for Jewish communities, national security, and the West’s future.If you want access to all of our rapid response breakdowns, sign up to our Substack today and join us on The Brink.Join here: https://www.thebrinkpodcast.co.uk/Chapters ⁠0:00⁠ Manchester Attack: Initial Reactions and Security Measures⁠2:18⁠ Role and Training of the Community Security Trust (CST)⁠5:00⁠ Police and Military Response to Terror Attacks ⁠8:39⁠ Journalistic Perspective on Terror Attacks⁠12:59⁠ Political and Social Implications of Terror Attacks⁠15:42⁠ Impact of Propaganda and Social Media on Public Perception ⁠25:51⁠ Jewish Community's Response to Increased Threats⁠33:30⁠ Final Thoughts and Call to Action Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this clip from The Brink’s Rapid Response, we break down Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan and what it means for Israel, Hamas, and the wider Middle East.We look at why Trump put hostages first, how his plan contrasts with Europe’s approach, and why even countries like Qatar and Turkey are backing it. We also discuss the risks of Hamas playing for time, the possibility of infiltration after the war, and whether this plan could actually change the game.👉 Head over to our Substack to watch the full episode of The Brink’s Rapid Response: thebrinkpodcast.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with journalist and media entrepreneur Bari Weiss to talk about the collapse of trust in our institutions, the rise of anti-Semitism, and the future of journalism in America and the West.Bari reflects on leaving The New York Times at the height of 2020’s cultural upheaval, why she founded The Free Press, and what it takes to build media that people can actually trust. We explore how disinformation spreads around Israel and Gaza, why groupthink dominates so many newsrooms, and whether legacy media is even reformable.We also discuss the explosion of anti-Semitism after October 7th, the dangers of political extremes on both left and right, and why rebuilding confidence in Western values might be the most important project of our generation.This is a wide-ranging conversation on truth, courage, and the fight to reclaim the centre ground in a polarised age.Watch the full episode by going to thebrinkpodcast.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was the Tommy Robinson rally a good or bad thing? What did it say about the state of British politics, Christianity and the West? Is there true evidence of “genocide” in Gaza? And what happened when Andrew was engaged in a firefight with Taliban jihadis outside a mosque? Join Daily Telegraph columnist and foreign correspondent Jake Wallis Simons and former parachute regiment officer and geopolitical analyst Andrew Fox on The Brink for Episode One. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sometimes the world feels like it’s on the edge—from conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East to culture wars dividing us here at home. From Israel to immigration, it can feel like the West is losing its way. That’s why we created The Brink.Hosted by Jake Wallis Simons and Andrew Fox, the podcast aims to cut through the noise to uncover the real implications, hidden angles, and the tough questions others won’t ask.Some weeks it’s just us diving deep into the stories that matter most. Other weeks, we’re joined by leading voices in politics, culture, and current affairs—people who help us make sense of where the world is heading.Join us for new episodes every Thursday on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen. The first episode will be released on 18th September 2025. For exclusive content, ad-free listening, bonus conversations, and the chance to interact with us directly, sign up to our Substack: thebrinkpodcast.co.ukWe’re just getting started...join us on The Brink Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.