Warfare

In March 2015, a ten-nation coalition of Gulf states launched an attack against Houthi insurgents in Aden. With Iran seeking to dominate the Southern Arabian Peninsula and take control of the Suez Canal, Aden became a key logistical city and suddenly found itself thrust into the limelight. With Washington involved in a Nuclear Deal with Iran for the first time, the Gulf States acted alone in their defense. But why was the Yemeni city of Aden so important to the coalition, and how far were they willing to go to defend it?

In this episode, James welcomes Michael Knights, author of the new book '25 Days to Aden', to the podcast to help unpack this pivotal moment in modern history. Examining the socio-political importance of Aden, addressing Washington's lack of support, and looking at the lasting consequences of this conflict, Michael helps explain what happened in those 25 days of 2015 and why they were so important.

Produced by Elena Guthrie

Edited by Aidan Lonergan

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It's 1943, you're part of the French resistance, and you've been sentenced to death. You're allowed to write one last letter before you're shot by the Nazis. Who do you write to? Friends? Family? Fellow comrades? How do you know if they'll even get it?

Of the 10,000 or so executions during the Second World War, only around 700 letters remain, and today's guest, Daniel Brunstetter, Professor of Political Science at the University of California Irvine, has spent the last three years trying to track them down, and working with the families to piece together their life, death, and acts of heroism.

Together, Daniel and host James Patton Rogers set the scene of occupied France, Charles de Gaulle's rallying cry to resist, and the multiple lives the letters, years after their authors were executed.

The Senior Producer was Elena Guthrie. It was edited and mixed by Aidan Lonergan.

Intro music: Ludwig van Beethoven, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

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Fighting has broken out in Sudan following years of power struggle between the country's military leadership: General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the armed forces, and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

However, the origins of this conflict can be traced back to 1956, when Sudan first gained independence from the British-Egyptian Condominium. Since, Sudan has been a country that has tried to establish a civilian, democratic government time and again, but each time has been derailed by a military coup.

In today's episode, host James Patton Rogers is joined by the first US Ambassador to South Sudan, Susan D Page, to help make sense of this complex history. From independence in 1956, through to President Omar al-Bashir's 2019 downfall and the 2021 coup, they assess what the history means for events happening right now, and finally, what steps towards peace could look like.

Produced by Elena Guthrie, edited by Annie Coloe.

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80 years ago, in the late hours of May 16th 1943, Wing Commander Guy Gibson fearlessly commanded the 617 Squadron of the Royal Air Force to execute a daring bombing mission. Their aim - to destroy three dams in the Ruhr valley - Germany's vital industrial hub. This top-secret operation was known as 'Chastise', but we know them today as the 'Dambusters'. But why has this famed mission, that was so vital to the allied war effort, become so controversial? And 80 years on, what new information do we have about these pilots?

In this episode, James chats to Sir Max Hastings to help explain just who the Dambusters were and what they did. With decades of Max's research, including first hand accounts from the men who were there, there's a lot to be learnt 80 years on. Examining the controversies surrounding operation Chastise, and looking at the monuments erected in memoriam of those lost - what can we learn about the men, and the victims, of Second World War bombing raids?

Senior Producer was Elena Guthrie. The Assistant Producer was Annie Coloe. Edited by Aidan Lonergan.

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In this episode of Warfare, host James Patton Rogers is joined by Tony Phelan and Susanna Fogel, creators of the new TV series A Small Light, which explores the remarkable true story of Miep Gies, who hid Anne Frank and her family during the Holocaust. The trio discuss the character of Gies and how she went from Otto Frank's employee, to hiding his whole family in the secret annex for two years.

A Small Light is currently streaming on Disney+, with two episodes released each week.

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Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, was a soldier, statesman, and prominent political figure who served the United Kingdom twice as Prime Minister. He is known to many as a successful defensive general, but what about when he was on the offensive? In this episode, we explore the life, career, and death of Wellington. James is once again accompanied by Historian and presenter Zack White as they delve into the complex life of Wellington - debunking myths, exploring his life, legacy, and controversies.

First published September 2021

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First published September 24th, 2021

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The coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla will be an event attended by thousands, including heads of state, dignitaries, and members of the public. The world's media will be watching, and so will anyone looking to take advantage of an event of this scale, from terrorists, to hackers and protesters.

Today, James Patton Rogers is joined by former director of GCHQ Professor Sir David Omand. Drawing on Omand's insider knowledge in crisis management and intelligence, together they analyse the potential security and intelligence threats at major events like coronations, and using historical examples, give an insight into the plans the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police could likely be executing on the day of the coronation.

David Omand's new book How To Survive a Crisis is available to purchase here.

The Senior Producer was Elena Guthrie. It was edited by Aidan Lonergan.

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Anything that James Holland doesn't know about tanks isn't worth knowing. And in this episode from the archives, the greats are warring against each other as he counts down his top five tanks of the Second World War. Agility, climbing ability, speed and practicality are all measured to come up with this ultimate list. James Holland presents History Hit's four-part series on tanks which you can find here: https://access.historyhit.com/

First published December 2021

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This year marks 30 years since the 1993 siege at Waco. Lasting 51 days, it took the lives of 76 people, including 25 children and has gone down as one of the most controversial and tragic incidents in modern American history.

James Rogers sits down with author Stephan Talty to discuss his new book "Koresh: The True Story of David Koresh and the Tragedy at Waco", which delves into the life of David Koresh, the leader of the Branch Davidians, and the events leading up to the siege. Together, they explore Koresh's abusive childhood, his religious beliefs, and the socio-political factors that led to the deadly standoff with federal agents.

The Senior Producer was Elena Guthrie. It was edited by Annie Coloe.

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From spy satellites orbiting the moon, to space metals worth more than most countries' GDP, and the imminent possibility of humans inhabiting Mars within the next decade - will conflicts soon escalate beyond earth's atmosphere? And if so, how will we regulate human behaviour on a cosmic level?

In this episode, James welcomes journalist, and author, Tim Marshall to the podcast to discuss the future of warfare. Tim unveils the new geopolitical realities of the space domain and sheds light on how it will shape the course of human history. Looking at power, politics, and the future of humanity - should we start preparing for war in space?

You can buy Tim's new book here.

Senior Producer was Elena Guthrie. The Assistant Producer was Annie Coloe. Edited by Siobhan Dale.

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If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store

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