It has been more than three years since Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. In that time, different Prime Ministers, Presidents, and leaders have all tried to grapple with what that means for European security. But security for who? This week’s guest is Dr Jenny Mathers. She began her journey into academia by writing her doctorate thesis …
My name is Vincenz Bill, and I currently work in the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament as a trainee for the Renew Europe Group. My work mainly focuses on issues related to EU accession countries in Eastern Europe and relations between the EU and North African/Sahel countries. Before that, I graduated from the …
Earlier this week, Louis Theraux released his latest documentary, The Settlers. While the conflict in Palestine has not left public scrutiny, it had begun to retreat in the face of headlines about Donald Trump, European defence, and local council elections. Nonetheless, the public remains passionate about the issue. In a recent Question Time episode, one …
Read more “Settlement and Heartbreak: The British Response to Gaza”
Editor’s Note: This piece is brought to you by Maya Huby. Maya achieved a First-class degree in Politics and International Relations from the University of Bath, during which she undertook a work placement with various English vineyards. Since completing her degree, she has worked as a Food and Beverage Assistant with Lainston House as well …
Read more “Whining and Dining: Does Britain’s Palate Deserve Its Reputation?”
Over the last week, I have been fortunate enough to enjoy and witness some great conversations with some very interesting people. All of them have, in some way, related security back to young people and made defence relevant to a generation that has largely been the witness to a failing politics. Despite the worrying cause …
Read more “Ukraine, Palestine, and NATO: Three Conversations on Youth and Security”
‘If you want peace, prepare for war’ is a quote often shared from the Roman writer Vegetius. Our guests today use their background working with General Petraeus, the Italian Ministry of Defence, NATO’s Defense College, private military companies, and the US’ National Defense University to debate how the West might prepare for war if it …
Read more “Season 2, Podcast #3: Dr Andrea Gilli x Dr Sean McFate”
Education has long served as one of the most prominent instruments of UK soft power, particularly across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The British Council, Chevening Scholarships, and partnerships with elite regional institutions have historically projected a narrative of mutual learning and opportunity. But behind that narrative lies a critical truth: access alone …
Read more “Education, Education, Education: Rethinking the UK’s Global Education Strategy”
The Benelux Brief – April 2025 To understand the UK’s place in the world means striving to gain a better understanding of the world. The Dispatches project brings together commentators from around the world to share key news analysis each month on their chosen region. By Britt Flanderijn This dispatch is written by Britt Flanderijn. …
In 2021, an MP stood in Parliament and confidently asserted that “investing 0.7% [of Britain’s GNI] in international aid is in Britain’s interest” and that it would be wrong to cut it. One may find it perplexing that only 4 years later the same man, now Britain’s Prime Minister, would announce (with perhaps a bit …
Read more “The Cost of Starmer’s Shortsighted U-Turn On Foreign Aid “
When setting out a new path, or the next step in the current path, leaders will often make reference to history. “[insert country] has always…” is the line so often parroted that it can only prompt the rolling of eyes. To take one example, Vladimir Putin’s speech with Tucker Carlson made frequent and incessant references …