Sounds Strategic

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• IISS Shangri-La Dialogue: Reflections 09.06.2026 29นาที

  Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Veerle Nouwens, Darshana M. Baruah, Morgan Michaels and Dr Daniel Salisbury to reflect on the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, which was held in Singapore from 29–31 May 2026. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Rethinking Asia-Pacific Security in an Age of Disruption 21.05.2026 32นาที

  Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts to preview the Asia-Pacific Regional Security Assessment 2026 ahead of its launch next week. Together, they discuss rising defence spending, evolving military doctrines, land force modernisation, nuclear risk and the race to shape quantum security governance in an increasingly contested region. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• IISS Stockholm Civil Defence Forum 2026: Reflections 29.04.2026 25นาที

  In this episode of Sounds Strategic, IISS experts reflect on the inaugural IISS Stockholm Civil Defence Forum and unpack the findings of the Strategic Dossier Civil Defence in Europe: An Initial Assessment. The discussion explores how European countries are adapting to emerging security threats, from protecting critical infrastructure and countering foreign information manipulation to financing civil defence and strengthening public preparedness. Drawing on lessons from Ukraine, the Nordic countries and wider Euro-Atlantic partners, the episode examines what a more coordinated and resilient approach to civil defence in Europe could look like. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• UAVs: ISR, Deterrence and War 02.04.2026 19นาที

  In this episode of Sounds Strategic, IISS experts unpack the findings of the Strategic Dossier UAVs: ISR, Deterrence and War, exploring how uninhabited aerial vehicles are reshaping military operations in peace and conflict. From Europe’s long-running capability gaps to lessons from Ukraine and the Middle East, the discussion examines how UAVs are changing intelligence gathering, decision-making and the conduct of war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• The Military Balance 2026 24.02.2026 27นาที

  Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Henry Boyd, Fenella McGerty, Ester Sabatino and Ruben Stewart to discuss the 2026 edition of The Military Balance. The Military Balance reveals a world of accelerating defence transformation. From Europe’s structural spending surge and procurement bottlenecks, to institutionalised drone warfare, Gulf industrial localisation and intensifying US-China competition, IISS experts unpack how shifting US policy and allied burden-sharing are reshaping global military dynamics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• IISS Manama Dialogue 2025: Reflections 14.11.2025 28นาที

  Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Air Marshal (Retd) Martin 'Sammy' Sampson, Dr Hasan Alhasan, Wolf-Christian Paes and Asna Wajid to reflect on the IISS Manama Dialogue 2025, which took place in the Kingdom of Bahrain on 31 October–2 November 2025. Together they discuss how the Dialogue reflected shifting regional alignments, the implications of global power competition for Middle Eastern security, and new avenues for cooperation on defence, technology and economic stability. The conversation also examines how the Gulf’s strategic priorities are evolving in light of ongoing conflicts, energy transition pressures, and emerging great-power dynamics.We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.Date of Recording: 05 November 2025The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• IISS Prague Defence Summit 2025: Reflections 16.09.2025 17นาที

  Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Dr Ben Schreer, Fenella McGerty and Ester Sabatino to reflect on the 2nd IISS Prague Defence Summit, which was held on 3–5 September 2025. Meia, Ben, Fenella and Esther discuss the major takeaways from the Prague Defence Summit, including:Secretary General Mark Rutte’s call for stronger European defence production in the face of closer Russia–China cooperation;The sustainability of record-high defence spending and new ways to fund Europe’s security;How procurement reforms and EU initiatives are reshaping Europe’s defence industrial landscape;The growing role of Indo-Pacific and non-EU partners in strengthening European security.We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.Date of Recording: 10 September 2025The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2025: Reflections 06.06.2025 26นาที

  Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Veerle Nouwens, Morgan Michaels and Darshana Baruah to reflect on the 22nd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, which was held on 30 May–1 June 2025. Meia, Veerle, Morgan and Darshana discuss key takeaways and topics include: US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his landmark speech on the US’ new ambitions for the Indo-Pacific; President Macron’s proposal for greater European-Asian engagement;Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim's call for shared purpose and cooperation in order to prevent further fracturing of the international order and support peace and stability; andhow the wider Indo-Pacific dynamics featured in this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue, such as the security priorities of Pacific Island states and the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.  We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.               Date of Recording: 3 June 2025    The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2025 23.05.2025 22นาที

  In this Sounds Strategic episode, podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Veerle Nouwens, Evan A. Laksmana and Nick Childs to discuss the upcoming 22nd IISS Shangri La Dialogue, which will be held in Singapore from 30 May–1 June.  This year’s dialogue is held against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, an intense US trade and tariff war with China, heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, and ongoing military modernisation across the Asia Pacific.   Key themes explored include   the impact of great power competition on small and medium powers in the region; strategies to manage nuclear and conventional proliferation risks; and the evolving defence challenges in critical domains such as undersea warfare, cyber security and outer space.  We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.               Date of Recording: 16 May 2025   The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. Find out more: https://www.iiss.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• From pledges to capabilities: Europe’s defence spending and Germany’s strategic shift 27.03.2025 24นาที

  Europe’s defence posture is evolving rapidly — but is the pace of change sustainable? In this episode, IISS experts examine global and regional defence spending trends, the EU’s emerging industrial initiatives and the implications of Germany’s policy shift. Host Meia Nouwens is joined by Fenella McGerty, Ester Sabatino and Ben Schreer to discuss whether current trends represent a pivot in European strategic capability or if policy ambition will be constrained by economic and political realities. Key themes include: Drivers behind global and European defence spending increases The EU’s ReArm Europe Constraints on joint procurement and industrial scalability Germany’s budget shift and prospects for sustained leadership Geopolitical uncertainties and potential disruptors We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.              Date of Recording: 24 March 2025   The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: three years on 20.02.2025 41นาที

  Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Dr Maria Shagina and Franz-Stefan Gady to discuss the recent developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.  Almost three years to the date of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a new US administration has drastically changed the course of events. President Trump has signaled a desire for the war to end, and for the US’ attention to focus on strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific instead of on European security matters. At the time of recording, the US and Russia are negotiating Ukraine’s future, without Ukraine represented at the table.  We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.             Date of Recording: 17 February 2025  The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS.     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• IISS Manama Dialogue 2024: Reflections 17.12.2024 25นาที

  In this episode of Sounds Strategic, we explore the main takeaways from the 20th IISS Manama Dialogue, held in Bahrain from 6 to 8 December 2024. IISS host Meia Nouwens is joined by experts Air Marshal (Retd) Martin ‘Sammy’  Sampson, Dr Irene Mia and Dr Hasan Alhasan to discuss to their views on the themes that emerged from the Dialogue ranging from conflict resolution to post-conflict reconstruction.   The IISS Manama Dialogue came at a momentous time for the Middle East, with ongoing conflicts and instability in the region. By the end of the Dialogue, the Assad regime had collapsed. Themes include global security, the eroding rules-based order, and the implications of expanding strategic partnerships. The episode also touched on Iran’s regional influence, the complexities of post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza, and the growing role of non-state actors in conflict zones.  Tune in for an in-depth look at the geopolitical challenges and solutions shaping the Middle East. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.            Date of Recording: 11 December 2024     The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS.  We recommend the following background reading for this episode:     IISS Manama Dialogue 2024 IISS Manama Dialogue 2024: Introduction and Expert Commentary Chapter 1 | Geopolitics: Fragmentation, competition and the persistence of conflict Armed Conflict Survey 2024: Editor's Introduction Iran’s strategic limbo Tracking Gulf defence production: armoured vehicles lead the way Human and development costs of the Middle East’s protracted conflicts Bridging, not hedging: Arab Gulf States’ ambitions in a polarised world  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• IISS Prague Defence Summit 2024: Reflections 15.11.2024 20นาที

  In this podcast episode, Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Ben Schreer, Fenella McGerty, Tom Waldwyn and Ester Sabatino to discuss the status and future trajectory of European defence and look back on the main take-aways from the IISS Prague Defence Summit. Meia, Ben, Fenella, Tom and Ester analyse the trends in European and NATO defence spending and what’s next given the Trump election victory in the recent US presidential election. They also focus on the trends in military procurement, and challenges to building readiness. In addition, they discuss the challenges Europe faces in securing rare materials and critical raw minerals that are vital to defence production, and discuss what’s being done already, and what’s on the horizon for European security of supply. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.        Date of Recording: 12 November 2024   The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• One year after 7 October: the Middle East’s regionalised war 04.10.2024 26นาที

  In this episode of Sounds Strategic, podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Emile Hokayem, Hasan Alhasan and Fabian Hinz to discuss the ongoing developments in the Middle East.One year after 7 October, the speakers share their insights on the regional developments – from the status of the war in Gaza to the broadening of Israel’s operations in the region. The IISS experts discuss the strategic calculations behind Israel’s operations in Gaza and Lebanon, the evolving role of Iran and its regional allies, and the Gulf states' efforts to maintain stability amid rising tensions. As the United States and the wider West navigate a complex regional landscape, we consider the shifting balance of power and the potential diplomatic, military and humanitarian repercussions.  Join us for our in-depth analysis of the current conflict and its implications for regional and global security. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.     Date of Recording: 2 October 2024 The podcast is recorded and produced by The International Institute for Strategic Studies. For more information, please visit https://www.iiss.org/    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Blast from the past: the return of long-range US missiles to Europe 14.08.2024 16นาที

  In this episode of Sounds Strategic, podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Douglas Barrie and Timothy Wright to discuss the return of long-range US missiles to Europe. Amid Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine and following Russian violations of arms control measures, Washington and Berlin have announced they would begin episodic deployments of conventionally-armed surface-to-surface missiles. IISS experts Douglas Barrie and Timothy Wright specialise in military aerospace and missile technology and discuss the context of this announcement. They explore how both NATO allies and Russia have responded, and what the impact of these deployments is on European stability in the short and longer term.   Meia also explores the Missile Dialogue Initiative, which since its establishment in 2019, aims to strengthen international discussion and to promote a high-level exchange of views on missile technologies and related international security dynamics.  We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.        Date of Recording: 7 August 2024  The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. For further reading, read our latest blog: The return of long-range US missiles to Europe (iiss.org) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• NATO's strategic pivot: defence spending and future challenges 02.08.2024 16นาที

  In this latest episode, host Meia Nouwens, IISS Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy, is joined by IISS experts Henry Boyd, Fenella McGerty and Karl Dewey to dissect the critical outcomes of the NATO Leaders Summit held in Washington DC.  The discussion navigates through the latest trends in NATO defence spending, the need for greater budget transparency, and the pressing challenges the alliance faces. The episode highlights the importance of efficient defence spending, enhanced integration, and robust collaboration among NATO allies. Additionally, it covers the impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the potential repercussions of the upcoming US elections on NATO’s cohesion and strategic insights into the alliance's future.  We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.      Date of Recording: 29 July 2024   The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2024: Reflections 07.06.2024 21นาที

  Host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Dr Bastian Giegerich, Veerle Nouwens, Dr Ben Schreer and Morgan Michaels to discuss the key themes and takeaways from the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue.  The episode delves into the proliferation of new partnership formats amidst the strategic competition between the US and China. The discussion also features analyses of the keynote speeches by President Marcos of the Philippines and President Zelenskyy of Ukraine, exploring their perspectives on sovereignty and international norms. The speakers also discuss the concept of ASEAN centrality and regional frameworks, European engagement in the Indo-Pacific and the Myanmar conflict.  We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.    Date of Recording: 5 June 2024 The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS.  We recommend the following background reading for this episode:      IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 | Transcripts and recordings: https://www.iiss.org/events/shangri-la-dialogue/shangri-la-dialogue-2024/  IISS Shangri-La Dialogue | Special Session 1 Deterrence and Reassurance in the Asia-Pacific: https://www.iiss.org/events/shangri-la-dialogue/shangri-la-dialogue-2024/special-sessions/special-session-1/  APRSA 2024 | Chapter 2: Middling and Muddling Through? Managing Asia-Pacific Crises: https://www.iiss.org/publications/strategic-dossiers/asia-pacific-regional-security-assessment-2024/chapter-2/  IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 | Special Session 3: Myanmar: Opportunities for Diplomacy Amid Different Visions for Peace:  https://www.iiss.org/events/shangri-la-dialogue/shangri-la-dialogue-2024/special-sessions/special-session-3/  IISS Myanmar Conflict Map: https://myanmar.iiss.org/ APRSA 2024 | Chapter 4: Disparate Diplomacy: Managing the Post-coup Myanmar Conflict: https://www.iiss.org/publications/strategic-dossiers/asia-pacific-regional-security-assessment-2024/chapter-4/ Myanmar policy at a crossroads: https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2024/05/myanmar-policy-at-a-crossroads/  IISS Prague Defence Summit: https://www.iiss.org/events/prague-defence-summit/prague-defence-summit-2024/  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 24.05.2024 27นาที

  Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Evan A. Laksmana, Julia Voo, Nick Childs and Viraj Solanki to discuss the upcoming IISS Shangri-La Dialogue.This year's Dialogue comes after a turbulent year in the Indo-Pacific. US-China competition is ongoing and both countries continue to promote their competing offers to the Indo-Pacific region. Small and medium powers in the region remain committed to forging independent paths, while some have signed onto new security minilaterals. This year's keynote speech by the president of the Philippines is likely to touch on some of these issues. Beyond the maritime and air domains, countries are also facing increasing threats in cyberspace, with resilience being a key area in need of improvement across many societies.We recommend the following background reading for this episode:    IISS website: https://www.iiss.org/IISS Shangri-La Dialogie: https://www.iiss.org/events/shangri-la-dialogue/shangri-la-dialogue-2024/The Asia-Pacific Regional Security Assessment 2024: https://www.iiss.org/publications/strategic-dossiers/Online Analysis by Julia Voo: https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2024/05/contested-connectivity-cyber-threats-in-the-asia-pacific/Online Analysis by Viraj Solanki: https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2024/04/indias-increased-defence-and-security-engagement-with-southeast-asia/Online Analysis by Evan A.Laksmana; https://www.iiss.org/online-analysis/online-analysis/2024/05/the-underwhelming-defence-ties-between-indonesia-and-china/ We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.   Date of Recording: 22 May 2024   The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• Long-range strike in the Indo-Pacific defence landscape 30.04.2024 30นาที

  In the first Sounds Strategic episode of 2024, host Meia Nouwens is joined by Veerle Nouwens, Dr Evan A. Laksmana and Timothy Wright to discuss the Indo-Pacific security landscape. The IISS experts explore the developments in the US-China relationship, Southeast Asian military modernisation plans in response to growing Chinese assertiveness, and the impact of recent elections in the region. Meia, Veerle, Evan and Tim also discuss the development of long-range strike capabilities in the Indo-Pacific  and the drivers in the region. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate, and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.   Date of Recording: 25 March 2024   We recommend the following background reading for this episode:    The Indo-Pacific Defence and Strategy programme: https://www.iiss.org/research/indo-pacific-defence-and-strategy/IISS research report: Long-range Strike Capabilities in the Asia-Pacific: Implications for Regional Stability, https://www.iiss.org/research-paper/2024/01/long-range-strike-capabilities-in-the--asia-pacific-implications-for-regional-stability/The Missile Dialogue Initiative: https://www.iiss.org/research/defence-and-military-analysis/missile-dialogue-initiative/For more information, please visit https://www.iiss.org/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
• IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2023: Reflections 08.06.2023 40นาที

  The IISS celebrated the 20th anniversary of its IISS Shangri-La Dialogue on 2-4 June and underlined the prime importance of in-person defence diplomacy in the region and beyond.   In this episode of Sounds Strategic, guest host James Crabtree, Executive Director, IISS–Asia, is joined by IISS experts Dr Bastian Giegerich, Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Dr Evan A. Laksmana and Veerle Nouwens to share their reflections and key takeaways. Guest host and speakers:  James Crabtree, Executive Director, IISS–Asia | Twitter: @jamescrabtree Dr Bastian Giegerich, Director of Defence and Military Analysis  Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia | Twitter: @Nigelgd1Dr Evan A. Laksmana, Senior Fellow for Southeast Asia Military Modernisation, IISS-Asia | Twitter: @EvanLaksmanaVeerle Nouwens, Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Indo-Pacific Defence and Strategy | Twitter: @VeerleNouwensFurther reading:   IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2023: IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2023 - Asia's premier defence summit  We hope you enjoy listening to the episode. Don’t forget to follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts.       Date of recording: 6 June 2023   Sounds Strategic is recorded and produced at the IISS.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.