Battleground

In the first episode of 2026, Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop look back on a bizarre and momentous year of conflict. The hosts begin by reflecting on the breakdown of international cooperation, noting how Russia has moved from sensitive joint enterprises, like decommissioning nuclear power submarines, to living on the "dark side of the moon" diplomatically and economically.

The centre of this week’s discussion is the surreal meeting between President Zelensky and Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Patrick and Roger dissect the "Olympic levels of restraint" shown by Zelensky as Trump claimed Putin was "generous" in his feelings toward Ukraine. They explore the 20-point peace plan being sketched out by American and Ukrainian officials and why, despite Trump’s optimism, the Kremlin remains unlikely to accept any deal that recognises a sovereign Ukraine.

Finally, the hosts look at the changing face of the front line, where the introduction of long-range "FPV" drones—now capable of striking targets up to 50 or even 100 kilometres away—is creating a lethal "grey zone" that redefines modern manoeuvre warfare.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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In this episode of Hero or Villain, Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop evaluate the military career of Josip Broz Tito, the "titan of Central Europe" who led the Yugoslav partisans during World War II and served as President until 1980.

The discussion traces his journey from a decorated Austro-Hungarian sergeant major to a revolutionary swayed by communism while a POW in Russia.

The hosts highlight his strategic brilliance in liberating Yugoslavia largely through indigenous guerrilla efforts and his notable "independent streak" in defying Stalin to pursue a "Third Way" during the Cold War. While acknowledging the high human cost of his tactics and post-war repressions like the Bleiburg repatriations.

What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain?

Cast Your Vote! Join the debate and cast your vote on Josip Tito: https://forms.gle/wbcib4kLXs66E9P19

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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With the Battleground: Ukraine team taking a Christmas break, we have a special interview for you this episode.

Saul is joined by Journalist, writer and pacifist turned volunteer soldier Artem Chapeye, who tells his story plus his thoughts and reflections on the war in Ukraine.

Artem recently wrote the book: Ordinary People Don't Carry Machine Guns.

Join us next week for an update on the latest news from Ukraine.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Hero or Villain, Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop examine the polarising military legacy of Tony Blair. They debate whether the former Prime Minister was a noble champion of "liberal interventionism" or a reckless architect of regional chaos.

The discussion moves from the early humanitarian successes in Kosovo and Sierra Leone to the strategic overreach of Afghanistan and the catastrophic intelligence failures of the Iraq War.

By weighing Blair’s initial moral imperatives against the long-term destabilisation of the Middle East, Roger and Patrick attempt to settle the ledger on one of modern history's most disputed figures.

What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain?

Cast Your Vote! Join the debate and cast your vote on Tony Blair: https://forms.gle/w75h5XcuGx9iaswe6

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a now annual Battleground tradition, for a special Christmas treat we've recorded a special festive episode discussing the standout history books of the year, and the wider stories that surround them.

Patrick, Saul and Roger are joined by friends of the podcast - publicist and historical novelist Richard Foreman and book critic, writer and journalist Antonia Senior.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this pivotal episode of Battleground: Ukraine, Patrick Bishop and Saul David discuss the high-stakes EU summit in Brussels that could decide the financial future of the conflict.

With Kyiv facing potential bankruptcy by the spring, the hosts break down the urgent debate over seizing €210 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund a "reparations loan."

We also look at the latest from the front lines and are joined by the Public Affairs Officer at the Khartiia Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine - Volodymyr Dehtyarov for an exclusive update on their recent successful counteroffensive in the Kupyansk area, showcasing the hi-tech warfare and grit that continues to define the Ukrainian defence on the ground.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the latest episode of our Hero or Villain series hosts Patrick Bishop and Roger Morehouse ask the ultimate question about one of the 20th century's most controversial figures: Was Charles de Gaulle a hero or a villain?

De Gaulle remains a giant of French and world history, looming over his nation's political landscape and physical fabric, with over 3,600 public spaces named after him. He is regularly polled as the most important figure in French history, even surpassing Napoleon.

Join the debate as Patrick and Roger delve into the General's life and legacy, exploring the pivotal role he played in the Second World War and analyzing what might have happened to a post-war France without his unifying presence. Hear the arguments, weigh the evidence, and decide where this controversial figure truly falls on the ledger.

What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain?

Cast Your Vote! Join the debate and cast your vote on Charles de Gaulle: https://forms.gle/y7ubNDSBjysvNyKX7

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as Saul David and Roger Moorhouse digest the latest news from Ukraine, including the intense pressure mounting on Kyiv as the Trump administration reportedly issues an ultimatum to Zelensky to concede territory—likely the Donbas—to end the war.

Despite this, they look at analysis that shows that Ukraine can win a protracted war of attrition against Russia's exaggerated claims of victory.

We are also delighted to be joined by friend of the show Boldi Gyori, who updates us on the latest developments on the ground in Ukraine and also discusses his recent experience behind the front line with Ukrainian electricity repairmen.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second episode of our Hero or Villain series, Patrick Bishop and Roger Moorhouse examine Air Marshal Sir Arthur Harris, the controversial chief of RAF Bomber Command, known as "Butcher Harris" due to the staggering losses suffered by his crews .

Harris vigorously pursued the necessary policy of area bombing German cities , a campaign he justified as crucial for shortening the war and preserving Allied lives. While his blunt, unapologetic zeal made him a target for post-war criticism.

Whilst Patrick and Roger deliver their verdict on Harris' legacy. What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain?

Cast Your Vote! Join the debate and cast your vote on Arthur Harris: https://forms.gle/LUtBHnKwD3nuiUMk9

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Bishop and Roger Moorhouse discuss a familiar feeling of "deja vu" as the latest US peace mission to Moscow—led by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—ends with no substantial progress. They argue that Russian President Putin is deliberately "stringing Trump along" to keep the outside world waiting while Russia continues to make incremental gains on the ground.

The hosts also dive into a revealing Wall Street Journal article suggesting a "chilling" motivation behind the American peace efforts: charting a path to bring Russia's $2 trillion economy "in from the cold," positioning American businesses to beat European competitors to the dividends. 

They also examine the widening corruption scandal in Ukraine and joining them to discuss this is friend of the show Askold Krushelnycky, who helps them look at the negative impact of the scandal on Zelensky's standing at home and abroad, and why Putin cannot afford to stop the war short of a total victory.

Finally, the hosts answer a listener's questions including one about Ukraine's "remarkably bold" and "symbolic" drone attacks on Russia's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers.

If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected]

Producer: James Hodgson

X (Twitter): @PodBattleground

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.