What’s the world look like through a global defence lens today? On this special episode, we team up with the Facing Coming Storms podcast, 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.

Peter Apps, host of Facing Coming Storms, takes the hot seat, quizzed by Anna-Joy on massive global shifts—Washington’s focus on China, Europe’s worry about Russia, and the UK stuck between big dreams and European realities. Recorded just after Trump’s first 100 days, we explore bold US moves in the Middle East, Taiwan’s growing tensions, and how trade wars, tech, and alliances are changing everything.

Anna-Joy asks tough questions about NATO’s strength, rising isolationism, and the future of tech in warfare. Can Europe step up as the US looks to Asia? Is Taiwan’s 2027 deadline trouble? What’s J.D. Vance’s role in all this? It’s a clear, honest look at a world in turmoil —great for anyone wanting to understand what’s driving us toward calm or chaos.

Key moments

1:54 - US Global Threats Perspective

14:09 - Shifts in Global Alliances

22:35 - Taiwan's Risk Assessment

31:33 - Technology's Impact on Warfare

40:29 - The Future of NATO

To sign up to the newsletters mentioned in this podcast go to:

www.projects21.com for Peter App’s regular Reuters column

and www.worldshapingleadership.com/newsletter for Anna-Joy’s Wonderful World, Wonderful Life newsletter - a well-travelled soulful conversation on world affairs, travel and living intentionally in a changing world.