Facing Coming Storms: Talking International Defence

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 Moments

2:10 - The Rise of Xi Jinping

4:35 - Impact of the Cultural Revolution

9:05 - The Complexities of Taiwan

14:03 - Taiwan's Independence and China's Stance

19:20 - Understanding Chinese Military Structure

25:04 - The Stakes of Potential Conflict

28:38 - The Role of the U.S. in Taiwan

32:21 - The China-Russia Relationship

35:25 - Historical Grievances and Alliances

40:06 - Benefits of the Ukraine War for China

43:27 - Xi Jinping's Approach to U.S. Relations

55:14 - Future Leadership in China

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’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 moments

3:05 - Middle East Dynamics

5:31 - The Israeli-Iranian Conflict Unfolds

8:19 - Complex Interests of Regional Players

10:38 - Media Narratives and Public Sentiment

12:53 - U.S. Military Strategy and Iran

16:42 - The Trump Doctrine in the Middle East

22:16 - Challenges of Conflict Resolution

24:04 - The U.S. Position in the Region

25:41 - Unmanned Systems and Future Warfare

29:36 - Turkey's Evolving Role and Interests

34:38 - Israel's Strikes and Syrian Dynamics

38:58 - Regional Power Plays and Expansion

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.

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 moments

1:45 - Non-Contact Warfare Explained

6:54 - Military Evolution Post-1999

9:49 - Modern PLA vs. Russian Military

16:09 - Chinese Perspectives on Taiwan Conflict

30:05 - Internal Military Cultures

33:24 - Planning and Execution Challenges

42:12 - Future Directions for the PLA

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.

Ben Connable, a former US Marine and leader of the Battle Research Group, discusses the realities of ground combat and their implications for future warfare. We explore the importance of studying battles like Ukraine’s Irpin River clash to understand tactics, human will, and war’s evolving nature, drawing on his team’s fieldwork in Iraq and Ukraine to fill gaps in modern military history often lost to digital records or overshadowed by high-tech solutions.

We discuss how shrinking militaries and reliance on technology impact risk and decision-making, emphasising the need to preserve primary sources to prepare for future conflicts.

Key moments

1:11 - The Battle Research Group

7:37 - Tactical Level Studies

14:12 - Adaptability in Military Culture

16:23 - Evolving Military Forces

19:12 - The Role of Leadership

20:57 - Understanding Civilian Perspectives

32:54 - Civilian Impact in Warfare

34:46 - Fighting in Industrialized Cities

39:42 - Knowledge Gaps in Military History

40:26 - The Character of War

48:16 - The Need for Accurate Recordkeeping

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.

Can Europe’s fragmented defence industry meet the demands of a shifting geopolitical landscape? In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, Stuart Dee from RAND Europe joins Peter Apps to unpack the NATO summit in The Hague, where pledges to raise defence spending to 3.5%–5% of GDP signal a bold shift. They discuss why large budgets fail to deliver, hindered by a splintered industrial base.

From Germany’s post-2022 rearmament to balancing tanks with tech like quantum computing, they explore innovative approaches like Helsing’s “resilience factories,” alongside challenges like the UK’s nuclear submarine goals and Ukraine’s agile drone industry.

Key moments

1:43 - US Defence Shifts and European Implications

2:31 - The European Defence Industrial Landscape

7:48 - Spending Boosts and National Ambitions

10:34 - Germany's Defence Spending Dilemma

13:49 - The Turning Point: Ukraine's Impact

17:47 - Future Technologies and Defence Strategies

22:52 - Industrial Base Challenges in Defence

34:58 - Innovations in Defence Manufacturing

38:26 - Economic Growth and Defence Spending

44:38 - The 1.5% Defence Spending Question

48:27 - The Complexity of Defence Budgets

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.