
Exploring threats to global stability from Ukraine to China to the Middle East with host Gavin Esler – former BBC News presenter, Washington correspondent and host of Newsnight – plus Ukraine-based war reporter Oz Katerji and independent conflict analyst Emma Beals. This Is Not A Drill dives deep into the dangers, corruption, conflicts, disinformation, rivalries and ruthless realpolitik that are m... more
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 252 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | NewsSociety & CulturePolitics | |||

Beyond the pomp and pageantry of Vladimir Putin’s Beijing summit with Xi Jinping, what do Russia and China need from each other? And how strong is their relationship? Plus, coming hot on the heels of Donald Trump’s own Beijing visit, what does it mea... more
In a new book, Surviving Chaos: Geopolitics When the Rules Fail, co-founder and director of the European Council on Foreign Relations Mark Leonard argues that we have entered an age of ‘un-order’ – when the rules and norms of the international order ... more
As drones and missiles darken the skies above conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, is a transformation in modern warfare leading to a new arms race? And as technology and tactics evolve, which weapons and defence systems are being bought, and wh... more
Putin thought that Ukraine would quickly fold under a massively superior Russian onslaught. Instead, the War has seen Ukraine reinventing itself as a world expert in drone warfare, exploiting cheap replaceable tech and digital networks to strike deep... more
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This podcast’s introductory music is just unbearable.
Brilliant episode from a highly respected author who can also explain the highly complex nature of money and corruption to a level that this layman finds easy to access. Also thanks to Gavin for his calm and measured analysis.
Ads every few minutes in the middle of content not just at the beginning and end.
Iran escaping blame though it’s been attacking Israel through proxies… how can u not apply the same logic to for Israel invading Palestine for decades … just another sold out show
Really learn a lot from this podcast. Analysis of complex issues presented in an accessible way.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
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Apple Podcasts | #187 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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A high-signal geopolitics and global-security show that probes Ukraine, the Middle East, China, and US foreign policy through expert interviews, on-the-ground reporting, and in-depth analysis. Episodes regularly dissect drones and AI in modern warfare, biothreats and governance gaps, state-backed proxy campaigns in Europe, and shifts in Western alliances. Noteworthy is a consistent mix of frontline reporting, policy critique, and strategic context from journalists, former policymakers, and senior researchers, making complex international dynamics accessible for decision-makers and informed listeners alike.
Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for This Is Not A Drill. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to This Is Not A Drill and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.
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These podcasts share a similar audience with This Is Not A Drill:
1. The Bunker – News without the nonsense
2. Oh God, What Now?
3. Behind The Lines with Arthur Snell
4. American Friction
5. Quiet Riot
This Is Not A Drill launched 5 years ago and published 252 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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Recent guests on This Is Not A Drill include:
1. Mark Leonard
2. Pieter Wezeman
3. David Kirichenko
4. Cassidy Nelson
5. Shaun Walker
6. Mahal Tusi
7. Ce9lia Belin
8. Richard Haass
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