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The General & The Journalist

The Times
Russia
Ukraine
NATO
China
Iran
Donald Trump
United States
United Kingdom
Vladimir Putin
Gaza
Israel
North Korea
Taiwan
People's Liberation Army
Ukrainian Children Abducted By Russia
Undersea Cables
European Union
Hamas
Benjamin Netanyahu
War In Ukraine

How wars start, how they are won and what they leave behind them.

General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton Dunn first met in a war zone. Drawing on their real-life experience of armed conflict, they bring you the latest from Ukraine, Gaza and the dozens of other bitter struggles being fought across our increasingly divided planet.

From interviews with key people on the frontlines of modern warfa... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes64Foundeda year ago
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News CommentaryNewsPolitics

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Latest Episodes

The pressure is mounting on the Kremlin, both militarily and economically. With Ukraine keeping a stranglehold on Putin's crown jewel, Crimea, the chances of a Russian escalation are growing. Could it become the beginning of the end for Vladimir Puti... more

Following the NATO summit in Ankara, American allies face an uncomfortable question – can they still rely on Washington to lead?

Donald Trump is demanding more from Europe, NATO is trying to adapt and countries like Britain must decide whether to s... more

Britain says its long-awaited Defence Investment Plan will strengthen its role in NATO. But after months of delays, funding rows and warnings from allies, does the money go far enough? 

Admiral Sir Keith Blount, the former Deputy Supreme Allied Comm... more

YouTube

For The General & The Journalist’s first anniversary, Tom and Patrick return to the question at the heart of the podcast – is the world becoming more dangerous?

Recorded live at the Nevill Holt Festival, they look at Ukraine’s fightback, Putin’s ne... more

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Recent Guests

John Bew
Professor, historian, former chief foreign policy advisor to four British prime ministers
University of Birmingham / Former No. 10 Downing Street adviser
Episode: NATO, Britain and the middle powers
Keith Blount
Admiral Sir Keith Blount, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe
Royal Navy / NATO
Episode: Does Britain’s defence plan make it NATO’s weak link?
H. R. McMaster
Former National Security Advisor to President Trump
Hoover Institution / Former U.S. National Security Advisor
Episode: Trump’s Art of the Deal – from the man who advised him
Stephen Gibbs
The Times' Latin American correspondent
The Times
Episode: Trump’s Cuba Playbook
William Leogrande
Professor of Government, American University, Cuba expert
American University
Episode: Trump’s Cuba Playbook
Dr. Jack Watling
RUCI analyst and author
Royal United Services Institute (RUCI)
Episode: How AI drones are changing the war in Ukraine
Ed Cartwright
Brigadier, commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade
British Army
Episode: Inside the 8,000ft rescue jump onto Tristan da Cunha
Alex Vatanka
Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute
Middle East Institute
Episode: Who is really running Iran now?
Sam Olsen
China Buff and host of the State of Play podcast
State of Play
Episode: Has Iran flipped the Xi-Trump balance of power?

Hosts

Tom Newton Dunn
Host of The General & the Journalist, Times / Sunday Times journalist and commentator with extensive experience in defense and security analysis.
Patrick Sanders
Co-host and former British Army General, bringing frontline military leadership and strategic perspective to discussions.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 408 ratings
  • Interesting

    As with every podcast and opinion we do not have to agree with everything that is said but this one is pretty balanced and thought provoking with some really interesting guests. The addition of the journalist allows them to ask more challenging questions which is a healthy dynamic while General Patrick’s experience and network gives a depth to the conversations. I enjoy it and it always makes me think, giving a perspective I might not have considered otherwise.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Holly the Mutt
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • One Of My Favourite Podcasts.

    A absolute joy to listen to Patrick & Tom. Incredibly interesting, informative & wonderful guests. I look forward to every new episode. Give it a try…you won’t be disappointed!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RedFin99
    Finland3 months ago
  • Only ‘can’t miss’ podcast

    Superb discussions about the most critical issues of the age.

    Please offer a paid for ad free version.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cato_46
    United Kingdom3 months ago
  • Great insight, great guests

    Outstanding guests offer already interesting insight into current geopolitics, and the great rapport between Tom and Patrick makes for great listening. Particularly enjoyed the recent discussion with Peter Frankopan, and would love to see more guests like him on the show.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    deckley
    United Kingdom4 months ago
  • The show

    Brilliant at last some sense and straight talking at the moment the lunatics are running the asylum

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Morphine!’
    United Kingdom4 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate clear, practical analysis of complex security issues, with high production quality and credible sourcing.
The duo's rapport and guest lineup consistently deliver insightful, thoughtful discussions on current geopolitics and defense.
Balanced and thought-provoking with strong guests and challenging questions.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#26
United Kingdom/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#53
United Kingdom/News
Apple Podcasts
#117
Australia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#20
Saudi Arabia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#43
South Africa/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#58
Ireland/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

NATO, Britain and the middle powers
Q: John, your pushback on simply 'hugging the US close'—what should the UK do instead in a world where European security and North American interests diverge at times?
Bew argues for a more balanced, coalition-based approach among middle powers, emphasizing practical defense and security cooperation, economic resilience, and a more autonomous but still collaborative stance with the US rather than a passive reliance that could leave Europe exposed.
Trump’s Art of the Deal – from the man who advised him
Q: What were the main critiques of the JCPOA from your perspective, and how did those shape subsequent policy?
Critiques centered on the sunset clauses and exemptions that allowed continued missile and nuclear activities, which proponents argued undermined the ability to enforce lasting concessions, contributing to renewed tensions and a different geopolitical dynamic.
Trump’s Art of the Deal – from the man who advised him
Q: How did President Trump's approach to foreign policy differ from traditional military advising, and what impact did that have on decision making?
Trump often sought a deal and would push for outcomes he could claim credit for, but advisers warned that without solid political direction and sustained pressure, off-ramps and agreements could unravel, limiting long-term stability.
Trump’s Cuba Playbook
Q: Why has Cuba been such a poisonous thorn in the U.S. side for so long?
The guests explain a long historical frame where Cuba has been treated as part of U.S. strategic interests since the 19th century, shaping repeated cycles of pressure, engagement, and rhetoric that have failed to produce lasting policy change.
Trump’s Cuba Playbook
Q: Can you give us a sense of what it's like on the ground now?
Stephen Gibbs describes severe shortages, hospital and school closures, and a city largely in darkness, with people adapting but awaiting relief or change as the regime endures.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About The General & The Journalist

What is The General & The Journalist about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A hard-hitting geopolitics and defense-focused program led by two veteran insiders who bring frontline context to global flashpoints. Topics commonly revolve around great-power competition, military strategy, alliance dynamics, and the evolving nature of warfare—from drones and space to nuclear strategy and deterrence. Guests range from former generals and diplomats to leading analysts, historians, and journalists, producing a rigorous, no-nonsense conversation that helps listeners understand what's at stake and why decisions in Washington, London, and elsewhere matter for security and policy. A standout aspect is the blend of battlefield experience with high-level analysis, making complex geopolitics accessible and practically relevant for... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The General & The Journalist?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The General & The Journalist:

1. The State of It
2. Political Currency
3. The Rest Is Politics
4. The Rest Is Politics: Leading
5. Politics Unpacked

How many episodes of The General & The Journalist are there?

The General & The Journalist launched a year ago and published 64 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 The General & The Journalist?

Recent guests on The General & The Journalist include:

1. John Bew
2. Keith Blount
3. H. R. McMaster
4. Stephen Gibbs
5. William Leogrande
6. Dr. Jack Watling
7. Ed Cartwright
8. Alex Vatanka

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