As economic sanctions continue to tighten their grip on Russia, the nation is forced to seek assistance from whoever it can, turning to China not out of mutual interest but as a necessity. Yet, this support comes at a steep price, heightening concerns in Moscow that it's inadvertently solidifying a new, skewed power dynamic. As China capitalizes on Russia's vulnerabilities, one has to wonder if this is merely business or if there's a deeper play to settle historical grievances. Can Russia untangle itself from this precarious alliance? What are the obstacles in broadening their so-called "no-limits" friendship, and what implications will these have on future Sino-Russian energy deals? We ask our panel of experts:

On the panel this week:

- Keir Giles (Chatham House)

- Gavin Wilde (CEIP)

- Temur Umarov (CEIP)

Intro - 00:00

PART 1 - 04:07

PART 2 - 23:47

PART 3 - 38:47

Outro - 58:10

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As President Prabowo Subianto prepares to enter the presidency, the Indonesian military stands at a crucial juncture, navigating both traditional and emerging defence challenges. With Prabowo's extensive military background and his previous five years at the helm of the armed forces, this term is particularly poised to potentially reshape strategies around procurement, international agreements, and even the core tenets of the Indonesian military itself. This week, we delve into the evolving dynamics within the Indonesian military as it grapples with modernisation and regional security pressures, and examine the potential shifts and tough decisions likely to fall onto his desk during the next five years. So why is this term likely the most important for the military? What do Prabowo's purchases and policy shifts tell us about his future policies, and will Indonesia finally take its place as a significant military power within Southeast Asia? We ask our panel of experts:

On the panel this week:

- John Blaxland (ANU) 

- Natalie Sambhi (Verve Research) 

- Collin Koh (RSIS)

Intro - 00:00

PART 1 - 02:03

PART 2 - 18:47

PART 3 - 44:05

Outro - 1:03:10

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Tensions are on the rise between San Marino and Italy, revealing a potential crisis on the Italian Peninsula that many analysts are missing. This situation, seemingly minor, hints at deep-seated unrest that could destabilize the region. We delve into the nuances of this brewing conflict, urging a reevaluation of its possible impact on European stability. Through expert insights, we aim to uncover the undercurrents of this overlooked crisis, highlighting the urgency of recognizing and preparing for the ramifications of this unfolding discord.

On the panel this week:

- James Ker-Lindsay (LSE)

Intro - 00:00

PART 1 - 01:30

Outro - 14:37

RELEASED: APRIL 1st 2024.

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Delving into the shadowy realm of the small arms trade, we unravel a web of clandestine dealings and backroom deals that span the entire globe, arming insurgents, equipping terrorists, and bolstering criminal networks, thus creating some of the world's most volatile regions. As these weapons cross borders, both through legal and illegal means, their paths become increasingly complicated, yet the underlying fundamentals beneath the trade remain stubbornly rigid. In this deep dive, we seek to unpack the trends that drive the industry, identify which markets are currently hotbeds of small arms sales, and explore the nuanced dynamics that completely change the procurement patterns of cartels or regional insurgency groups. We unpack a hypothetical scenario of a theoretical insurgency group to demonstrate the unexpected challenges faced by these groups, with a panel of industry experts:

On the panel this week:

- Nicholas Marsh (PRIO)

- Franz J. Marty (Swiss Institute for Global Affairs)

- Mark Bromley (SIPRI)

Intro - 00:00

PART 1 - 02:25

PART 2 - 24:47

PART 3 - 44:32

Outro - 1:00:34

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As Haiti grapples with an unprecedented crisis, the spectre of state collapse under the weight of rampant gang violence has cast a long shadow over its future. The Caribbean nation, once a beacon of freedom and resistance, now finds itself mired in a power struggle that pits armed gangs against each other in a bid for dominance of the nation, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire. Amid this chaos, the international community watches with bated breath as plans for an intervention loom on the horizon, sparking debates on sovereignty, the efficacy of foreign assistance, and the potential for lasting peace. Yet, the success of such an intervention hinges on a myriad of factors, including the willingness of local actors to cooperate and the ability of external forces to navigate the complex socio-political terrain of Haiti. With the stakes higher than ever, the question remains: Can the proposed intervention quell the violence and restore stability to this beleaguered nation, or will the chaos simply continue? To answer that, we turn to our panel of experts:

On the panel this week:

- Marlene L. Daut (Yale Uni.)

- Jess DiPierro Obert (Investigative Journalist)

- Evan Ellis (US Army War College)

- Chris Sabatini (Chatham House)

Intro - 00:00

PART 1 - 02:47

PART 2 - 20:37

PART 3 - 35:52

PART 4 - 52:17

Outro - 1:10:56

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As the world stands on the brink of a new era in nuclear warfare, attention now shifts to the United States' ambitious modernisation programs and the burgeoning arms race in nuclear weapons development. This surge in advancement raises pivotal questions about the future of global security, the balance of power, and the implications of cutting-edge atomic technologies. Yet, these moves also ignites an international arms race, with nations scrambling to not only match but surpass each other's nuclear capabilities. Amid this whirlwind of technological escalation and strategic repositioning, the essential question arises: How will the United States navigate this new nuclear landscape, balance the thin line between deterrence and aggression, and what implications will this arms race have for global peace? To dissect these complex issues, we ask our panel of experts.

On the panel this week:

- Andrew Futter (Uni of Leicester)

- William Alberque (IISS)

- Donald N. Jensen (USIP)

Intro - 00:00

PART 1 - 05:30

PART 2 - 26:59

PART 3 - 49:35

Outro - 1:01:37

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Europe is banking on Poland to valiantly secure its Eastern frontier, recognising its pivotal role along the CSTO's Western border and Poland's steadfast backing of Ukraine. However, a deeper examination reveals tensions between Warsaw and Brussels over everything from legal standards to concerns about recent large-scale procurements, raising questions about Poland's integration within the EU framework. With Poland's economic position and its role in European defence under the microscope, a critical question emerges: Can Poland effectively balance its commitment to regional security with its EU obligations, and what impact will its disputes with the EU have on its political future within the bloc? To answer that, we turn to our panel of experts:

On the panel this week:

- Mujtaba Rahman (Eurasia Group)

- Michał Baranowski (GMF)

- Edward Hunter Christie (FIIA)

Intro - 00:00

PART 1 - 05:20

PART 2 - 22:07

PART 3 - 37:06

Outro - 1:04:23

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Businesses considering the great decoupling from China face the dilemma of finding a new manufacturing hub, with India emerging as a popular choice due to its large workforce, affordable labour, and investor-friendly leadership. However, a closer examination reveals complexities in India's economy, raising questions about its readiness to replace China as the world's factory and its ability to navigate challenges still hampering India's growth. Can India replace China in the global supply chain, we ask our panel of experts. On the panel this week: - Velina Tchakarova (FACE) - Ashoka Mody (Princeton) - Arjun Ramani (The Economist) - Michael Kugelman (Wilson Center) Intro - 00:00 PART 1 - 02:39 PART 2 - 10:31 PART 3 - 38:44 PART 4 - 1:00:55 Outro - 1:17:40 Follow the show on @TheRedLinePod Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepod For more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/

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Russia's naval forces, structured around six distinct fleets, are navigating turbulent waters in the current geopolitical climate. While all six of these fleets have seen modest improvements, especially in their submarine capabilities, the conflict in Ukraine is now stretching resources thin, with senior figures from within the Navy warning that the Army's problem today, is going to be the Navy's problem tomorrow. This looming situation poses critical questions, like how will Russia's navy will adapt to these emerging challenges, and what programs are likely to face the chopping block when times get tough? So to help us answer those questions, we turn to our panel of experts:

On the panel this week: - Nick Childs (IISS) - Mark Galeotti (RUSI) - H. I. Sutton (Covert Shores) Intro - 00:00 PART 1 - 04:44 PART 2 - 27:40 PART 3 - 50:16 Outro - 1:10:33 Follow the show on @TheRedLinePod Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepod For more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/

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Sudan is entangled in a rapidly escalating civil war, marked by widespread protests, violent clashes, and an alarming surge in refugees fleeing the turmoil. Amidst this chaos, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) swift advances are now intensifying fears of a potential state collapse, one that would likely plunge the region into chaos. With a fragmented government and military embroiled in enforcing their contentious autocratic rule, Sudan's path to peace appears increasingly precarious. So why are more and more outside actors getting involved here? What happens if the state does collapse, and who is supplying these forces with the means to wage this war? We ask our panel of experts. On the panel this week: - Will Brown (CSIS) - Joe Siegle (ACSS) - Will Carter (Norwegian Refugee Council) Intro - 00:00 PART 1 - 07:03 PART 2 - 29:20 PART 3 - 49:16 Outro - 1:02:37 Follow the show on @TheRedLinePod Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepod For more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/

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Argentina's incoming president, Milei, was queried about reclaiming the Falkland Islands for Argentina, following the path of his predecessors by vowing to seek their reclamation. These claims, coupled with intense media scrutiny, have fueled increasing speculation about a potential second invasion of the Falkland Islands. But are these speculations well-founded, or merely ongoing rhetoric? Will these threats intensify into a more significant conflict between Argentina and the UK, and if so, how might such a conflict unfold? We present these questions to our panel of experts: On the panel this week: - Tim Fish (Shepherd Land Systems) - Wilder Alejandro Sanchez (Second Floor Strategies) - Kevin Fleming (Kings College London) Intro - 00:00 PART 1 - 03:00 PART 2 - 22:32 PART 3 - 33:15 Outro - 45:09 Follow the show on @TheRedLinePod Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus Support the show at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepod For more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/

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