In this week’s episode, Mick breaks down the Ukrainian offensive into Kursk and discusses the success of the Ukrainians and the lessons they’ve learnt since the failed, and overhyped counter-offensive.

Then we are joined by Dr Benjamin Tallis, one of Europe, and Germany’s leading foreign policy analysts.

Based in Berlin Dr Tallis was part of Action Group Zeitenwende at the German Council on Foreign Relations and recently launched his Democracy Strategy Initiative as part of his advocacy for a ‘NeoIdealism’ foreign policy.

We discuss why Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz failed to make good on his pledge after the invasion of Ukraine to shepherd through a shift in German security and defence posture.

We discuss whether Germany has learnt any lessons from its dependence on Russia to apply to how it deals with China and the sentiment of the German public on these issues.

In Ask Me Anything Dr Tallis asks Mick and Latika how Australia can improve its relations with Europe.

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