In this episode of Sounds Strategic, we explore the main takeaways from the 20th IISS Manama Dialogue, held in Bahrain from 6 to 8 December 2024. IISS host Meia Nouwens is joined by experts Air Marshal (Retd) Martin ‘Sammy’ Sampson, Dr Irene Mia and Dr Hasan Alhasan to discuss to their views on the themes that emerged from the Dialogue ranging from conflict resolution to post-conflict reconstruction.

The IISS Manama Dialogue came at a momentous time for the Middle East, with ongoing conflicts and instability in the region. By the end of the Dialogue, the Assad regime had collapsed. Themes include global security, the eroding rules-based order, and the implications of expanding strategic partnerships. The episode also touched on Iran’s regional influence, the complexities of post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza, and the growing role of non-state actors in conflict zones.

Tune in for an in-depth look at the geopolitical challenges and solutions shaping the Middle East. We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.

Date of Recording: 11 December 2024

The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS.

We recommend the following background reading for this episode:

• IISS Manama Dialogue 2024
• IISS Manama Dialogue 2024: Introduction and Expert Commentary
• Chapter 1 | Geopolitics: Fragmentation, competition and the persistence of conflict
• Armed Conflict Survey 2024: Editor's Introduction
• Iran’s strategic limbo
• Tracking Gulf defence production: armoured vehicles lead the way
• Human and development costs of the Middle East’s protracted conflicts
• Bridging, not hedging: Arab Gulf States’ ambitions in a polarised world

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In this podcast episode, Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Ben Schreer, Fenella McGerty, Tom Waldwyn and Ester Sabatino to discuss the status and future trajectory of European defence and look back on the main take-aways from the IISS Prague Defence Summit.

Meia, Ben, Fenella, Tom and Ester analyse the trends in European and NATO defence spending and what’s next given the Trump election victory in the recent US presidential election. They also focus on the trends in military procurement, and challenges to building readiness. In addition, they discuss the challenges Europe faces in securing rare materials and critical raw minerals that are vital to defence production, and discuss what’s being done already, and what’s on the horizon for European security of supply.

We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.

Date of Recording: 12 November 2024

The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Sounds Strategic, podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Emile Hokayem, Hasan Alhasan and Fabian Hinz to discuss the ongoing developments in the Middle East.

One year after 7 October, the speakers share their insights on the regional developments – from the status of the war in Gaza to the broadening of Israel’s operations in the region. The IISS experts discuss the strategic calculations behind Israel’s operations in Gaza and Lebanon, the evolving role of Iran and its regional allies, and the Gulf states' efforts to maintain stability amid rising tensions. As the United States and the wider West navigate a complex regional landscape, we consider the shifting balance of power and the potential diplomatic, military and humanitarian repercussions.

Join us for our in-depth analysis of the current conflict and its implications for regional and global security.

We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.

Date of Recording: 2 October 2024

The podcast is recorded and produced by The International Institute for Strategic Studies. For more information, please visit https://www.iiss.org/

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