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CONFLICTED

Message Heard
Yemen
Iran
Houthis
Ali Abdullah Saleh
Arab Spring
Hamas
Gaza War
Al Qaeda
Middle East
Conflicted Community
Middle East Geopolitics
Israel Defense Forces
Middle Eastern Diplomacy
Qatar
Saudi Arabia
Saddam Hussein
Children Casualties
Ebrahim Raisi
Israel
Gulf War

An ex-Al Qaeda jihadi turned MI6 spy and a former monk turned filmmaker, have been embedded at the heart of conflicts in the Middle East. Together Aimen Dean and Thomas Small unpack the realities of war, fundamentalism and their global implications through first-hand experience.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes163Founded7 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryReligion & Spirituality

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Latest Episodes

As mass protests sweep Iran and President Trump declares the U.S. is ‘locked and loaded’, Thomas and Aimen revisit the event that shaped U.S.–Iran relations for the next half-century: the Iran Hostage Crisis. Then, in real time, the conversation veer... more

Amid controversy surrounding Zohran Mamdani’s rise to power in New York City, Hussein Mansour tells Thomas all about the history of Third Worldism — where it comes from, what it originally meant, and why the term has resurfaced.

Thomas and Hussein d... more

As 2025 draws to a close, Thomas and Aimen take an unconventional tour of the Islamic world — looking beyond the usual headlines to the under-the-radar shifts that happened in 2025, with the potential to shape 2026 and beyond.

They discuss:

• Mal... more

The war in Ukraine is back in the headlines as a peace agreement appears increasingly probably — though with major concessions to Russia. So as a Christmas present to our listeners, we’ve brought this episode from August out from behind the paywall. more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Jakub Jajcaj
Former NATO officer who volunteered to fight in the conflict in Ukraine.
Episode: Inside the Trenches of Ukraine
Giri Rajendran
Political and financial analyst based in Singapore
Episode: What Trump’s 2025 National Security Strategy Means For The World
Lorenzo Vidino
Director of the Programme on Extremism at the George Washington University
George Washington University
Episode: What the U.S. Gets Wrong About the Muslim Brotherhood
Tom Tugendhat MP
British politician and member of Parliament
Member of Parliament
Episode: Has the Muslim Brotherhood Infiltrated the UK?
Martin Plaut
Distinguished journalist, expert in African conflicts
Episode: Conflicted Revisited: Ethiopia’s Overlooked Conflict
T.V. Paul
Professor of International Relations at McGill University
McGill University
Episode: India and the Future of World Order: A Conversation with T.V. Paul
Hussam Mahjoub
Sudanese journalist and political activist
Episode: Conflicted Revisited… Husam Mahjoub – How Foreign States are Fuelling Sudan’s Civil War
Patrick McGee
Top journalist and former principal Apple reporter at the Financial Times
Author of 'Apple in China'
Episode: CC: Patrick McGee – How Apple Built a Superpower
Emma Ashford
Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center and author of 'First Among Equals, US Foreign Policy in the Multipolar World'
Stimson Center
Episode: CC: Emma Ashford – The Collapse of America's Unipolar Moment

Host

Thomas Small
Co-host with insights into conflicts and geopolitical issues, often providing commentary and analysis.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 2.9k ratings
  • Knowledge

    If you are here for a deeper understanding, you’re in the right place. To have such complicated subjects dissected and unraveled by two very knowledgeable people is priceless. Thank you

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DdeObaldia
    United Statesa month ago
  • UK

    I am in no way “far right”, yet I am constantly labeled as so for having what used to be centrist views on things related to protecting children in Britain. Meanwhile, violent antifa mobs are only labeled as “left” by Thomas and the leftist mainstream mafia. Sigh. This is why things will continue to not improve and they are too blind to see it.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Original_Owl
    United Statesa month ago
  • WE NEED AIMEN

    I like aimen boring without aimen bur still 5 stars

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bob Powah123
    United States2 months ago
  • Spooks propaganda

    Wanted expertise and objectivity, but found their guests presented as experts included security service assets and paid for Israeli propagandists. Listening to this is only if you want to cheer the world burning, not understand why it is burning.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    hfjfhfuuf
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • History hooked me, politics lost me

    I came to this podcast wanting to learn more about Islamism to broaden my understanding of religious nationalism. The episodes of key players in the development of Islamism and some of the episodes that explain the socio-historical contexts of certain conflicts are interesting, but the fact that Aimen nor Thomas can use the word genocide or even describe accurately what is taking place right now by the Zionist project is absolutely unacceptable. It calls into question even the other historical e... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Iacobus Sinister Lunaticus
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The chemistry between the hosts is noted as a significant strength, enhancing engagement and listener enjoyment.
There are critiques regarding perceived biases in the coverage of sensitive topics, often highlighting concerns over impartiality.
Listeners appreciate the compelling personal stories and firsthand accounts shared by the hosts.
Many listeners praise the educational aspect of the content, valuing the depth of context provided in episodes.
The podcast offers insightful narratives on complex geopolitical issues, appealing to those interested in deep, nuanced discussions.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#169
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#47
United Kingdom/History
Apple Podcasts
#149
Canada/History
Apple Podcasts
#71
Australia/History
Apple Podcasts
#88
Italy/History
Apple Podcasts
#135
Germany/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

2025 Conflicted Christmas Special
Q: What does Jesus mean to you personally as a Muslim?
For me, it feels like an unfinished business, an unfulfilled mission that is about to be fulfilled when he returns.
Inside the Trenches of Ukraine
Q: How do you feel about the question of territorial concessions to Russia?
It would be a hard sell for the Ukrainian government to convince people to accept that.
Inside the Trenches of Ukraine
Q: What was motivating you to fight in Ukraine?
I felt this sort of professional pride and believed this war affects all of Europe.
The 2026 Middle East Forecast
Q: What about the notorious Black Swan event? How can you factor in a known unknown?
You can't factor in a Black Swan event as you don't know what it is, when it will happen, or where it will occur.
The 2026 Middle East Forecast
Q: So how do you do it? How does an analyst begin the process of forecasting?
An analyst begins by examining historical patterns, precedents, and new geopolitical factors, including economic indicators and rhetoric from state and non-state actors.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About CONFLICTED

What is CONFLICTED about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Insights on global conflicts and the complexities surrounding them are offered through firsthand accounts from knowledgeable hosts. Episodes feature discussions that span significant geopolitical issues, historical context, and personal narratives, often highlighting the intersections of personal experience and broader societal challenges. Topics encompass various regions, particularly the Middle East, and include themes of terrorism, human rights, and the impact of foreign policy decisions. With its unique blend of perspectives, the content provides listeners with a deeper understanding of pressing issues affecting our world today.

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Which podcasts are similar to CONFLICTED?

These podcasts share a similar audience with CONFLICTED:

1. Global Security Briefing
2. This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler
3. The Rest Is Classified
4. Conflicted: A History Podcast
5. In Moscow's Shadows

How many episodes of CONFLICTED are there?

CONFLICTED launched 7 years ago and published 163 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on CONFLICTED?

Recent guests on CONFLICTED include:

1. Jakub Jajcaj
2. Giri Rajendran
3. Lorenzo Vidino
4. Tom Tugendhat MP
5. Martin Plaut
6. T.V. Paul
7. Hussam Mahjoub
8. Patrick McGee

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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