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Global Security Briefing

The Royal United Services Institute
China
Russia
United States
Iran
Ukraine
NATO
Middle East
Gaza
Indo-Pacific
Israel
Russia-Ukraine War
European Security
US Foreign Policy
Donald Trump
Taiwan
Turkey
Hezbollah
Syria
European Union
Latin America

Global Security Briefing provides regular insights from leading international experts to help you make sense of the far-reaching changes affecting international security around the globe. Hosted by analysts from RUSI's International Security Studies team, the podcast looks at how the UK can best shape its foreign and security policies in an increasingly dynamic international environment. The Globa... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes100Founded5 years ago
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Artwork for Global Security Briefing

Latest Episodes

The 2026 NATO Summit convened at a moment of fragile unity for the alliance. What did it deliver? What did it leave unresolved?

In this episode of Global Security Briefing, RUSI's Director-General Rachel Ellehuus is joined by three colleagues, each... more

Organised crime no longer operates outside international politics. Criminal networks are increasingly present in spaces once associated with intelligence services, foreign policy and national security.

In this edition of Global Security Briefing ho... more

What does the Russian wartime economy look like beneath the official data – and what are the implications for regime stability?

In early June, President Putin took to the stage at the St Petersburg International Economic Forum – Russia's flagship a... more

Are we seeing the potential for a diplomatic off-ramp in the latest phase of the Iran crisis, or just another pause in a much longer confrontation?

The broad picture at the beginning of June 2026 is that the US and Iran appear to be trying to move ... more

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Recent Guests

Charles Hecker
Associate fellow at RUSI; author on Western business in Russia
RUSI
Episode: Inside Russia's Wartime Economy
Ali Ansari
Professor of Iranian History, Director of the Institute for Iranian Studies, University of St. Andrews
University of St. Andrews; Institute for Iranian Studies; British Institute of Persian Studies
Episode: No Easy Off-Ramp: Iran, the US and the Search for a Deal
Olivia Cheung
Lecturer in Politics, Department of European and International Studies; China Fellow and affiliate at multiple institutions
King's College London; Brussels School of Governance; SOAS; University of Warwick
Episode: President Trump in Beijing: The Future of US-China Relations
Lyle Morris
Senior Fellow on Foreign Policy and National Security
Asia Society Policy Institute Center for China Analysis
Episode: President Trump in Beijing: The Future of US-China Relations
Philip Shetler Jones
RUSI Senior Research Fellow on Indo-Pacific Security
Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)
Episode: How is International Security Changing?
Brian Fonseca
Director of the Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy and adjunct professor at Florida International University
Florida International University
Episode: Is the Trump Administration's 'Donroe' Doctrine Transforming Relations with Latin America?
Carlos Solar
Senior Research Fellow in Latin American Security at RUSI
RUSI
Episode: Is the Trump Administration's 'Donroe' Doctrine Transforming Relations with Latin America?
Sir David Lidington
RUSI Distinguished Fellow and former UK Minister for European Affairs
RUSI
Episode: Can the Transatlantic Alliance Survive the Trump Presidency?
Dr. Claudia Major
Senior Vice President Transatlantic Security at the German Marshall Fund
German Marshall Fund
Episode: How Will German Rearmament Shape European Security?

Host

Neil Melvin
Host of Global Security Briefing with extensive RUSI background in international security and UK defense policy.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 158 ratings
  • No Iran off ramp

    Excellent overview. Lucid informative and considered opinions of the view not just from the West but from Tehran. Essential listening 👍

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Crimebrook
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Good content let down by poor audio

    Interesting topics and good insights by the speakers. But the quality of the sound recording is sub-par for a professional podcast, which doesn’t make it easy to listen to.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    Andy@Foxes
    Ireland5 months ago
  • Must listen!

    Great podcast but let down by very poor sound quality which is very distracting. Please invest in a decent microphone

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Can’tthj nkofanickname
    Australia7 months ago
  • Yawn

    Guests appear to be chosen based on their dislike of Donald Trump. No matter what the subject, the answer is that the president has no strategy and is stupid. Would have expected better from RUSI

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Gavin Casey
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • No idea of opportunity cost

    This appears a long add for defence spending. No idea of opportunity cost or actual risk,

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Tom from Brunswick
    Australiaa year ago

Listeners Say

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

Audio quality is a frequent point of criticism, with many noting the need for better production values.
Audience appreciates balanced expert analysis and depth on European and transatlantic security topics.
Guests and topics are often highly informed, with strong insights on regional security and alliances.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#45
United States/Government
Apple Podcasts
#7
United Kingdom/Government
Apple Podcasts
#30
Canada/Government
Apple Podcasts
#14
France/Government
Apple Podcasts
#17
Australia/Government
Apple Podcasts
#26
Italy/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Inside Russia's Wartime Economy
Q: What are the risks for Western companies that are contemplating re-entering the Russian market if a peace deal emerges?
Hecker outlines that sanctions policy will largely govern any return, with three layers of US, UK, and EU sanctions complicating and prolonging a potential entry; he notes that the government may favor 'good leavers' and strategic sectors, while broader geopolitical and security concerns will cap how quickly and where Western firms can re-engage.
Inside Russia's Wartime Economy
Q: Charles, when you look at Russia's economy, how sound does it appear and what do you consider the most significant vulnerabilities that are not yet reflected in the top line data?
Hecker explains that despite a façade of resilience, the economy is trapped in a war-driven cycle with weak investment, heavy debt, and a draining of civilian sectors to support defense, with inflation and labor shortages posing long-term risks; he cautions that data reliability is limited and that the macro picture is fragile beneath an optimistic official narrative.
No Easy Off-Ramp: Iran, the US and the Search for a Deal
Q: What does Tehran actually want from the current talks?
Ali Ansari explains that Iran may be seeking an interim arrangement that relieves economic pressure and preserves leverage, possibly with limited concessions, rather than a full, lasting settlement; domestic economic pain and strategic needs drive their demand for money and relief.
What is Driving Turkey's Foreign and Security Policy Agenda?
Q: To what extent is Turkey's peacebuilding framing accurate, or is it more complex in practice?
The guest argues that peacebuilding captures only part of Ankara's rationale, with stabilization and pragmatic, security-led diplomacy playing a larger role than traditional liberal peacebuilding models, and that Turkey aims to manage disorder while pursuing its own interests.
The Regional and Global Significance of the US-Led Attack on Iran
Q: What should Europe and regional powers watch in the coming weeks?
Watch the energy market and oil prices, European diplomatic cohesion, Gulf diplomacy, and the responses of non-state actors like Hezbollah and the Houthis, as these will indicate whether escalation slows or suddenly intensifies.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Global Security Briefing

What is Global Security Briefing about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A policy-focused security podcast featuring international security scholars and practitioners from a leading think tank. Episodes regularly dissect Europe's evolving security architecture, transatlantic relations, Middle East dynamics, and Indo-Pacific challenges, often with a UK perspective on alliance politics and defense modernization. Noteworthy is the strong emphasis on expert analysis from RUSI affiliates and a pattern of deep dives with guests who bring historical context, strategic trade-offs, and regional nuance to complex security questions. The format tends to mix geopolitics, defense policy, and strategic messaging, making it useful for listeners who want rigorous, scenario-informed discussions and for guests seeking to understa... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Global Security Briefing?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Global Security Briefing:

1. NatSec Matters
2. Irregular Warfare Podcast
3. Pekingology
4. Battleground
5. War on the Rocks

How many episodes of Global Security Briefing are there?

Global Security Briefing launched 5 years ago and published 100 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 Global Security Briefing?

Recent guests on Global Security Briefing include:

1. Charles Hecker
2. Ali Ansari
3. Olivia Cheung
4. Lyle Morris
5. Philip Shetler Jones
6. Brian Fonseca
7. Carlos Solar
8. Sir David Lidington

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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