Defence

Available for over a year

Amol Rajan and guests discuss how the war in Ukraine might affect future defence policy and the future of conflict. Many commentators agree that Russia and the rest of the world were not prepared for the fierce resistance the Russian army would face from soldiers and civilians in Ukraine. Many were also surprised at the strategic and equipment failures which dogged the Russian war machine. However, as Russia continues with its policy of bombarding civilian populations in target cities, the ceding of territory seems all but inevitable. What can the world learn from previous conflicts in the Middle East, Syria and Afghanistan which often left the aggressor with many more problems than it envisaged? And what do experts think future wars will look like? Will committing troops on the ground always be necessary and how will technology change the nature of defence? Joining Amol Rajan are: Professor Philip Bobbitt, professor of Jurisprudence at Columbia Law School, the author of 10 books and has acted as advisor to six US administrations. Margaret MacMillan, professor of history at the University of Toronto, Emeritus Professor of International History at Oxford. General Sir Nick Carter, former head of the British Army and Chief of the Defence Staff in the UK. Doctor Comfort Ero, president and CEO of the International Crisis Group, one of the world's leading conflict resolution and peacebuilding organisations. Presenter: Amol Rajan Producer: Emma Close, Marianna Brain and Lucinda Borrell Studio Manager: James Beard Sound mix: Rod Farquhar Editor: Nicola Addyman