Welcome to Bridging the Oceans

After over two years, the Bridging the Oceans podcast is coming to an end. Hosted by Veerle Nouwens, this was the first podcast dedicated specifically to the defence and security of the Indo-Pacific, exploring what the region is, where its limits lie, and the fast-evolving nature ... Show More

The recent annual meetings of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and the National People’s Congress (NPC) – the ‘Two Sessions’ – have already confirmed the national budget, high-level personnel appointments and noted China’s foreign and security outlook. Newly ... Show More

The current year is set to be a significant one for India, as it takes on both the G20 and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) presidencies – two landmark moments for the Modi government ahead of the highly anticipated general elections next year. Host Veerle Nouwens sits dow ... Show More

Following Donald Trump’s election victory, we ask if this could be the beginning of the end of the fighting in Ukraine. President-elect Trump has famously claimed he can end the Ukraine war in a day. While there is skepticism about this claim, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelens ... Show More

Originally published 24 March 2022.  Hosts Darya Dolzikova and Tobias Borck look at the UAE’s perspectives on Iran and its nuclear programme, as well as regional security. They are joined by Sheikha Najla Al-Qassimi (B’Huth), who explains how the UAE balances its deep security co ... Show More

On the 100th day of Donald Trump’s second term, the war in Ukraine—which he promised to end within 24 hours—rages on. As Trump’s impatience with the conflict grows, Ukraine and its European allies are scrambling to prevent an imposed peace deal that would see Kyiv recognise Russi ... Show More

When it comes to Russia, Trump’s America appears on the verge of a major foreign policy U-turn. Trump called Zelenskyy a dictator and lyingly claimed that Ukraine had started the war. After years of isolating and sanctioning Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, Team Trump met fac ... Show More

Tommy and Ben discuss late-breaking news that Russia and Ukraine may agree to a 30-day ceasefire, Canada’s new Prime Minister and the rapidly escalating trade war with the United States that he’ll inherit, and the final death knell for USAID. They also talk about the irrational a ... Show More

In August, Ukrainian troops swept into Russia's Kursk region, and seized over 500 square miles of Russian territory. It’s the first time that Russia has been invaded since World War II. In Moscow, President Putin has relied on aid from China, Iran, and North Korea, but some analy ... Show More

Today we look at Ukraine’s surprise advance across the Russian border and the escalating tensions in the Middle East.121,000 people have evacuated from Russia’s western Kursk region after the Ukrainian military crossed the border in an unexpected move. Adam speaks to Ukrainecast’ ... Show More

Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia, joins FP Live to assess the Trump administration’s shifting policies on Ukraine and how that could impact the ongoing war. McFaul is currently a professor at Stanford University and writes the McFaul’s World newsletter. Michael ... Show More

After a period of stalemate between Russia and Ukraine, direct military action has recommenced. Heightened tensions have led to discussions on Europe’s readiness for a ‘war economy’ and the United States is also reportedly considering lifting its ban on Ukraine’s use of American ... Show More