Best The Royal Institute of Philosophy Podcasts (2025)

1
🎙️ India: Not America’s Sidekick | Salvatore Babones on The Focus 1:06:16

4d ago1:06:16

1:06:16

Dr. John Bruni speaks with Prof. Salvatore Babones about U.S.–India relations, Modi’s strategic balancing act, the Quad, and how Russian oil, and a possible F-35 purchase, affects Trump’s thinking on India and how this could reshape stability on the Subcontinent & Indo-Pacific security more broadly. #IndiaUS #SalvatoreBabones #Geopolitics #Modi #Th…

1
Europe’s Defence Dilemma 53:21

11d ago53:21

53:21

In this episode of The Focus, Lt. Gen. Ben Hodges joins us to unpack Europe’s growing defence dilemma. As U.S. support for NATO faces political headwinds and war rages in Ukraine, can Europe stand on its own? Or is it still relying too heavily on the American security umbrella? We explore NATO’s credibility, European rearmament, and what’s needed t…

1
Trump World II: Power, Peace, Politics 1:27:03

18d ago1:27:03

1:27:03

Dr. Roy Casagranda returns to The Focus to explore the global and domestic impact of a second Trump term—covering democracy, immigration, alliances, Ukraine, Iran, and more. 🎧 Watch now & subscribe for more insight on geopolitics and global affairs. #geopolitics #trump47 #roycasagranda #uspolitics #thefocuspodcast #globalsecurity #foreignpolicy Sho…

1
Trade Under Siege 1:05:12

1M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with economist Nicolas Michelon on how protectionism and power politics are reshaping global trade. 🎧 Watch now on YouTube | Also on Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Show Notes: Connect with Nicolas X: @MichelonNicolas Asia Power Watch: https://asiapowerwatch.com/ Alagan Partners: https://alaganpartners.…

1
Lebanon at a Crossroad 54:55

1M ago54:55

54:55

Is General Joseph Aoun the man to rescue Lebanon’s institutions? Can the Lebanese Armed Forces disarm Hezbollah? Can the Lebanese state recover from years of corruption and poor governance? And what role do external powers—Iran, Israel, Syria, and the Gulf states—play in Lebanon’s fate? Dr. John Bruni speaks with Dr. Imad Harb to unpack the country…

1
Israel’s ’Total War’ 54:55

2M ago54:55

54:55

Israel vs. Iran: What Drives Tehran’s Strategy? Dr. Ori Goldberg joins The Focus to decode ideology, deterrence, and the risks of a wider Middle East war. Show Notes: X: @ori_goldberg Bluesky: @origoldberg.bsky.social Ori’s Top Publications: Selected Articles (2024) “Why Israelis Do and Don’t Want War with Hezbollah” – New Lines Magazine, September…

1
Australia | Meeting America’s Demands 59:25

2M ago59:25

59:25

Is Australia charting its own defence course—or simply meeting U.S. demands? Dr. John Bruni speaks with strategist Dr. Peter Layton on AUKUS, strategic autonomy, and Australia’s evolving role in the Indo-Pacific. Show Notes: Contact Peter Layton on: Griffith Asia Institute: [email protected] LinkedIn X: @GAIGriffith Peter’s Top Five publicat…

1
Can Taiwan Survive? 40:29

2M ago40:29

40:29

🎙️As China increases military pressure and Trump 47 reshapes U.S. foreign policy, Taiwan’s future is more uncertain than ever. Dr. John Bruni speaks with Dr. Alice Yang from Taipei’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research about Taiwan’s fight for democracy, U.S. ambiguity, and what regional conflict could mean for the world. 🎧 Availab…

1
Finland | A Defence Masterclass 43:04

2M ago43:04

43:04

Why does Finland still rely on conscription? And what can Australia learn from it? Brigadier General Jyri Raitasalo breaks down Finland’s “Total Defence” strategy, NATO’s Nordic front, and how citizen readiness can shape national security. 🎧 Watch now on The Focus with John Bruni. Show Notes: Connect with Jyri - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/i…

1
India-Pakistan | Nukes & Nationalism 56:44

2M ago56:44

56:44

In this episode of The Focus, host John Bruni is joined by Professor Harsh V. Pant — one of India’s foremost strategic thinkers — to dissect the geopolitical shifts shaping South Asia and beyond. From China’s expanding influence to Pakistan’s persistent provocations and the Modi government’s evolving doctrine, we explore whether India’s foreign pol…

1
100 Days that Changed America 1:16:23

3M ago1:16:23

1:16:23

In this gripping episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with political analyst Dr. Roy Casagranda to unpack the seismic shifts in U.S. politics after 100 days of Trump 47. From executive overreach to the global ripple effects, this conversation explores how America’s democratic institutions are being reshaped — and why the world should pay att…

1
Stand. Fight. Win. 59:26

3M ago59:26

59:26

Is Europe prepared for war? In this episode of The Focus, John Bruni speaks with former NATO commander General Sir Richard Shirreff on Ukraine, NATO’s weaknesses, and the growing threat from Russia. A hard-hitting, unfiltered look at what may lie ahead. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube. 🔗 Connect with Sir Richard Shirreff X: @Ri…

1
Ukraine & Beyond 1:38:32

4M ago1:38:32

1:38:32

In this special panel edition of The Focus, we bring together three of the world’s most seasoned strategic thinkers—Andrew Michta, Ben Hodges, and Anders Puck Nielsen—to unpack the war in Ukraine and its far-reaching consequences. From the battlefield to NATO's frontlines and the shifting dynamics of global power, this is a timely conversation that…

1
The Chainsaw Presidency? Trump, Tariffs & the Trouble Ahead 1:12:30

4M ago1:12:30

1:12:30

Donald Trump is back in the White House—and the shockwaves are global. In this episode, Professor Scott Lucas joins John Bruni to unpack the trade wars, the constitutional controversy, and the chaos that’s redefining America’s role in the world. Is Trump a misunderstood reformer—or a genuine threat to democratic institutions? What do the tariffs me…

1
What Price Peace? 43:47

5M ago43:47

43:47

Professor Jeffrey Sachs joins The Focus to discuss the war in Ukraine, global power shifts, and the West’s role in the conflict. In a thought-provoking conversation, we challenge Sachs on his views, exploring the geopolitical landscape and what the future holds. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most pressing issues of our time. 🎙️ The Focu…

1
Europe Alone | Germany’s Security in an Uncertain World 1:32:59

5M ago1:32:59

1:32:59

With rapidly shifting global alliances, Germany now faces a critical security dilemma. Can Europe defend itself without unwavering U.S. support? In this episode of The Focus, Dr. Karl-Heinz Kamp, a leading expert in German and European security, joins John Bruni to discuss Germany’s strategic vulnerabilities, NATO’s uncertain future, and the broade…

1
Trump World 1:54:38

6M ago1:54:38

1:54:38

What does the dawn of Trump’s second presidency mean for America and the world? In this hard-hitting episode of The Focus, host John Bruni sits down with Dr. Roy Casagranda to break down the first three weeks of the Trump 47 administration. Show Notes: Roy Casagranda LinksX: @RoyCasagranda Website: https://gov.casagranda.com/index.html Books by Roy…

1
Is ‘Ethical AI’ a Fantasy? - The 2024 Annual Symposium 2:00:25

8M ago2:00:25

2:00:25

Recent developments in Artificial Intelligence have generated a lot of public anxiety, especially regarding ethical issues: data bias, privacy, the opacity of automated decisions, the effects of algorithmic bubbles on democratic debate, not to mention the harms caused by deep fakes – the list goes on. In response, the emerging field of AI ethics as…

1
Ukraine’s Nuclear Crossroads? 1:37:15

8M ago1:37:15

1:37:15

Can Ukraine’s security dilemma reshape the global nuclear order? Join us as we explore the chilling realities of nuclear escalation, broken international promises, and what it takes to secure lasting peace with expert Mariana Budjeryn. Show Notes: https://www.belfercenter.org/person/mariana-budjeryn https://www.belfercenter.org/publication/mariana-…

1
Election 2024 | Postmortem 1:58:14

8M ago1:58:14

1:58:14

🔥 What Will Trump 47 Mean for America and the World? 🚨 From immigration crackdowns to a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, we're diving deep with Dr. Roy Casagranda into the policies, global impacts, and controversies that could define Donald Trump’s second term. 🌍 Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion on how his leadership might reshape domestic pol…

1
Election 2024 | Democracy on the Edge? 1:36:34

9M ago1:36:34

1:36:34

In our latest episode of The Focus, we sit down with Dr. Roy Casagranda to delve into the high-stakes landscape of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. With democracy, alliances, and the global order on the line, Dr. Casagranda unpacks the complexities surrounding Trump AND Harris as presidential candidates, exploring how their policies and politic…

1
Middle East at War | Israel vs. Iran 1:05:54

9M ago1:05:54

1:05:54

🔥 Iran's Largest Missile Barrage Yet! 🔥 In this explosive episode of The Focus, we dive into the unprecedented Iranian missile strikes on Israel in 2024, the largest of its kind since the conflict began. With 200 ballistic missiles fired, retaliation for the assassinations of key Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, and Israel's air defenses pushed to the …

1
A Harris Doctrine? Kamala Harris' Foreign Policy 1:26:33

10M ago1:26:33

1:26:33

Is there a new 'Harris Doctrine' on the horizon? Join Yale historian Dr. Michael Brenes as we unpack Kamala Harris's foreign policy vision in our latest podcast! Show Notes: You can contact Michael here: X: @mbrenes1 Substack: michaelbrenes.substack.com Books published by Michael – And, as mentioned in the podcast - The Rivalry Peril: How Great-Pow…

1
AUKUS In an Age of Unrestricted Competition 1:07:03

10M ago1:07:03

1:07:03

In this episode of The Focus, host John Bruni sits down with Professor John Blaxland to unravel the complexities of the AUKUS security pact and its implications for global power dynamics. As the world shifts into an era of unrestricted competition between China & the U.S., what does AUKUS really mean for the future of international security? Are Au…

1
Unmasking Iran | Israel’s Biggest Misconceptions 1:00:45

10M ago1:00:45

1:00:45

In our latest episode of The Focus, we sit down with Dr. Ori Goldberg, a leading expert on Iran’s political and religious landscape, to dive deep into the complexities of Israel-Iran relations. Show Notes X: @ori_goldberg Articles by Ori "What Israelis Don’t Want to Hear About Iran and Hezbollah" (Published in +972 Magazine on September 20, 2024) h…

1
Depopulation Crisis | Point of No Return? 1:11:09

11M ago1:11:09

1:11:09

In our latest episode of The Focus, renowned demographer Dr. Paul Morland unpacks one of the most controversial and alarming issues of our time: global depopulation. What happens when the world's population shrinks? How does this shift impact economies, geopolitics, and future generations? Are we truly facing a "population crisis," or is there more…

1
Wagner Group After Prigozhin | Russia’s New Paramilitary Era 51:18

11M ago51:18

51:18

In this gripping episode of The Focus, we delve into the aftermath of the Wagner Group’s fall from grace and the emergence of a new era in Russian paramilitary operations. Join us as Dr. Ladd Serwat unpacks the intricate power shifts, the rise of the 'Africa Corps', and the lasting impact of Prigozhin's legacy on Russia's global strategy. Show Note…

1
Frontlines & Forecasts: Ukraine’s Kursk Gamble 1:04:27

11M ago1:04:27

1:04:27

Join us on "The Focus" as we dive deep into the Ukrainian Kursk Incursion with Commander of the Royal Danish Navy and YouTuber, Anders Puck Nielsen. This episode provides expert analysis on Russian military tactics and the strategic implications for the region. Captain Nielsen brings his extensive knowledge to discuss the size and scope of Russian …

1
Deception & Sovereignty 1:06:18

12M ago1:06:18

1:06:18

Join us on The Focus as we delve into the world of deception and skullduggery surrounding the failed Franco-Australian Submarine Deal. Investigative journalist and author Andrew J. Fowler exposes the hidden truths and political manoeuvres that jeopardised Australia's sovereignty and led us to AUKUS. Don't miss this eye-opening episode! Show Notes: …

1
Revolution or Ruin: Evanna Hu on AI’s Unstoppable Impact on Society 55:32

1y ago55:32

55:32

Are We Ready for AI to Surpass Human Intelligence by 2045? Join The Focus Podcast with technologist Evanna Hu as we delve into how AI developments, and AI regulation will impact on our future! Show Notes: Omelas Website – https://www.omelas.io/#1 Evanna’s bio: https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/expert/evanna-hu/ Scowcroft Centre for Strategy & Securit…

1
The Powder Keg of Asia: Unveiling the Future of Taiwan with Dr. Alice Yang 50:05

1y ago50:05

50:05

Join us on The Focus as Dr. Alice Yang dives deep into the volatile dynamics of Taiwan's political landscape, its tense relationship with China, and what the future holds for this strategic island nation. Don't miss this eye-opening discussion that uncovers the real stakes and hidden narratives behind one of Asia's most critical geopolitical issues…

1
End of Illusions: Preparing for a World of Risk and Rivalry 53:44

1y ago53:44

53:44

Join us on The Focus as we delve into a gripping conversation with Dr. Andrew A. Michta, senior fellow and director of the Scowcroft Strategy Initiative at the Atlantic Council. In this episode, we explore the pivotal moments in history that have shaped our world and discuss the urgent strategic decisions facing the U.S. and its allies today. Andre…

1
Julian Assange: Andrew J. Fowler 28:13

1y ago28:13

28:13

Get ready for an explosive episode with investigative journalist Andrew J. Fowler as we uncover Julian Assange's path to freedom and his future moves. Show Notes Books by Andrew J. Fowler - Nuked: The Submarine Fiasco that Sank Australia’s Sovereignty, 2024 (New Edition) The Most Dangerous Man in the World: Julian Assange and WikiLeaks Fight for Fr…

1
What are the Limits on Free Speech? - The 2023 Annual Symposium 1:30:24

1y ago1:30:24

1:30:24

Where should we draw the line between hate speech and simply saying things other people don’t want to hear? When some social groups can access media much more easily than others, has the idea of free speech as a free contest of ideas had its day? Should governments intervene to restrict the right to express opinions – for example, on climate change…

1
What does art tell us about ourselves? Life, art, and philosophy: Alva Noë, London Annual Lecture 2023 1:29:30

1y ago1:29:30

1:29:30

We make art out of life, but life in turn is remade by art. We are by nature tied to art, and this means, finally, that we can’t really speak of our “nature” at all. We are art’s product. Art is not a late accomplishment of our history, a mere cultural add on. We are entangled with art, and the whole phenomenon of the aesthetic, from the very begin…

1
Tory Extinction Level Event 47:32

1y ago47:32

47:32

Join us for an exclusive dive into the July 4, 2024 British election with UK political warhorse Chris Mullin! From insider perspectives to strategic analysis, unlock the secrets of UK politics in our latest podcast episode. Listen now and stay ahead of the electoral game! Show Notes: Books by Chris Mullin – 1982 A Very British Coup 1986, Error of J…

1
Cosmic Conversations: Avi Loeb Discusses UAP Advances and the Galileo Project 58:13

1y ago58:13

58:13

Join us for an electrifying episode as John reunites with Harvard's esteemed Professor Avi Loeb! It's been almost 11 months since their last conversation, and the world of UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) has been buzzing with groundbreaking developments. From a U.S. Congressional Inquiry shaking up the discourse to the dramatic resignation of …

1
Presidential Address 2024 1:13:25

1y ago1:13:25

1:13:25

Jo Wolff is a Fellow of the British Academy and the Alfred Landecker Professor of Values and Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University. He was named the new President of The Royal Institute of Philosophy in October 2023, and in May 2024 he gave his inaugural Presidential Address. A political philosopher, he has worked…

1
South of the Border: The Immigration Crisis - U.S. Election 2024 53:35

1y ago53:35

53:35

The upcoming U.S. presidential election between incumbent Democrat Joe Biden & presumptive Republican candidate, former president Donald Trump is likely to be a bang-up contest between two very old men. The most pressing touch-button issue they’ll be facing is the number of undocumented arrivals from Mexico and Latin America. Both candidates admit …

1
Netanyahu v. Hamas - Complying with the Laws of War? 41:13

1+ y ago41:13

41:13

In this episode, John speaks with former Executive Director of Human Right’s Watch (HRW) & Princeton’s Prof. Kenneth Roth on Netanyahu v. Hamas. In a war known for having broken the laws of war on both sides, can anyone really say either Hamas or Netanyahu holds the moral high ground? Show notes: The Roth & Sparrow piece in Foreign Policy (February…

1
The Yemen Jigsaw Puzzle 51:03

1+ y ago51:03

51:03

🔥 Unraveling Yemen's Political Maze: The Shocking Truth Revealed! 💥 Brace yourselves for an eye-opening conversation that shatters every preconceived notion about Yemen! In an exclusive episode, John delves deep into the heart of Yemen's political labyrinth with none other than the European Institute of Peace's Senior Advisor, Hisham Al-Omeisy. 🌍 P…

1
Germany’s Resurgence? 1:30:38

1+ y ago1:30:38

1:30:38

In this episode John speak with Associate Fellow of the German Council on Foreign Relations, Dr. Karl-Heinz Kamp. Karl-Heinz is a specialist on German foreign and strategic policy and we’ll be delving deep into what appears to be a German military resurgence in Europe. Will this strengthen the Continent, will it be destabilising? And probably most …

1
On Cold War 2.0 1:07:13

1+ y ago1:07:13

1:07:13

In this episode, John is again joined by US Army LTG Ben Hodges (Ret.) where they discuss noted historian, author and commentator, Professor Niall Ferguson’s notion that we are currently in Cold War 2.0. Show Notes - For those of you who’d like to know more about the work of The Alphen Group (TAG), please access via the following Link: https://thea…

1
Middle East Madness 1:17:20

1+ y ago1:17:20

1:17:20

In this espisode, the first one for 2024, we start off hot by speaking with Scott Lucas on events in the Middle East from Gaza to Lebanon and from Yemen to Jordan and Iran, why have things gone so wrong and what lies ahead? Scott’s latest piece in The Conversation can be found - here 927 Magazine can be found - here Scott’s website EA Worldview can…

1
Can Labour’s Starmer Save Britain? 44:24

1+ y ago44:24

44:24

In this, our last episode for 2023, we have a treat for all you geopolitical junkies out there! We speak to Jonathan Powell, former Chief of Staff to the Blair government (1997-2007). 2024 will be a big year of elections around the world. One of which, the U.S. presidential election, due in November of next year, will prove decisive for a whole bun…

1
Living The Beatles’ Life – The Mal Evans Story 58:46

1+ y ago58:46

58:46

In this episode, one of the last for 2023, we take a lighter turn as John speaks with Prof. Kenneth Womack, Professor of English and Popular Music at Monmouth University, New Jersey, talking about his latest book – a biography on Mal Evans – the Beatles’ Mr Fixit. This is a fascinating look at the rock and roll industry in the 1960s, how it compare…

1
The Democracy Dilemma: Unraveling the Fate of Nations 1:19:44

1+ y ago1:19:44

1:19:44

In this interview with Deakin University’s Emeritus Prof Damien Kingsbury, John discusses the main themes of Damien’s latest book “The Rise and Decline of Modern Democracy”, Routledge, 2023. What is democracy? How old is the variant we are living with? How has neoliberal economics played its part in diminishing its importance around the world, lead…

1
Fear the Permacrisis? 1:08:17

2y ago1:08:17

1:08:17

In this episode, hot on the heels of the latest war in the Middle East, John speaks to writer and journalist Thomas Fazi to discuss ‘permacrisis’. What is it? And how does it threaten our way of life? Books by Thomas Fazi: The Battle for Europe: How an Elite Hijacked a Continent – and How We Can Take It Back (Pluto Press, 2014), Reclaiming the Stat…

1
Repressive AI? 54:00

2y ago54:00

54:00

🧠 In this thought-provoking conversation, Steven Feldstein takes us on a captivating exploration of the dark underbelly of AI, where the lines between technology and tyranny blur. He unveils the unsettling truth about how repressive regimes are weaponizing AI to surveil, control, and silence dissent. 😨🔍 Show Notes 📖 In this episode, we journey into…

1
U.S. Struggles to Restrain North Korea 57:08

2y ago57:08

57:08

🎉 Get ready to dive deep into the thrilling world of international relations! 🌍 In this electrifying episode, we've got the brilliant and dynamic Lauren Sukin, a young scholar hailing from the prestigious London School of Economics. 🎓 Hold on tight, folks, because this Assistant Professor of International Relations is about to take us on a wild rid…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

The Royal Institute Of Philosophy Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide