Nobody wants to imagine a large-scale war in Europe. But after Putin invaded Ukraine and Trump tore up Europe’s security guarantee, it’s horribly plausible. Is Russia as powerful as Putin wants us to think? Is there more to military power than tanks and guns? Why do strategists keep making the wrong predictions? And what does Pete Hegseth’s unhinged locker-rom pep talk/incitement to the US military to commit war crimes mean for any American role in the world?

In a fascinating, surprise-packed conversation Phillips Payson O’Brien, Professor of Strategic Studies at St Andrews University and author of new book War and Power: Who Wins Wars and Why gives Andrew Harrison and Jacob Jarvis an urgent update on the realities of military power. 

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ESCAPE ROUTES 

• Phillips recommends Better Call Saul on Netflix. 

• Jarv recommends horror movies Weapons and Bring Her Back. 

• Andrew went to see Roland Gift of Fine Young Cannibals.

Buy any book through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund OGWN by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too.

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Written and presented by Andrew Harrison with Jacob Jarvis. Audio/video production by Chris Jones. Theme music by Cornershop. Art direction: James Parrett. Produced by Chris Jones. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.

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