Best Manama Podcasts (2025)

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Bahrain Briefing – July 9: Bahrain's Bold Bet 6:00

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11d ago6:00

6:00

In today’s Bahrain Briefing: The Kingdom is doubling down on a post-oil future with a bold push into tech, foreign investment, and talent development. We break down the latest signals from policy, funding, and ambition. 🎧 #BahrainBriefing #BahrainBusiness #GCCMarketsBy Bahrain Wire

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Digital Wild West: AICS & the Cyber Future 6:01

12d ago6:01

6:01

In today’s hyper-connected world, our daily lives are deeply interwoven with the digital realm — from banking and e-commerce to smart home devices and social networks. This episode, recorded in response to insights from the AICS event, explores how our growing dependence on technology brings not only convenience but also a rising wave of cybersecur…

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IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2025: Reflections 26:29

1M ago26:29

26:29

Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Veerle Nouwens, Morgan Michaels and Darshana Baruah to reflect on the 22nd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, which was held on 30 May–1 June 2025. Meia, Veerle, Morgan and Darshana discuss key takeaways and topics include: US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and his landmark speech on the US’ new ambitio…

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IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2025 22:53

2M ago22:53

22:53

In this Sounds Strategic episode, podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Veerle Nouwens, Evan A. Laksmana and Nick Childs to discuss the upcoming 22nd IISS Shangri La Dialogue, which will be held in Singapore from 30 May–1 June. This year’s dialogue is held against the backdrop of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, an intense US tr…

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From pledges to capabilities: Europe’s defence spending and Germany’s strategic shift 24:57

4M ago24:57

24:57

Europe’s defence posture is evolving rapidly — but is the pace of change sustainable? In this episode, IISS experts examine global and regional defence spending trends, the EU’s emerging industrial initiatives and the implications of Germany’s policy shift. Host Meia Nouwens is joined by Fenella McGerty, Ester Sabatino and Ben Schreer to discuss wh…

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Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: three years on 41:01

5M ago41:01

41:01

Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Dr Maria Shagina and Franz-Stefan Gady to discuss the recent developments in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Almost three years to the date of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a new US administration has drastically changed the course of events. President Trump has signaled a de…

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IISS Manama Dialogue 2024: Reflections 25:35

7M ago25:35

25:35

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…

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IISS Prague Defence Summit 2024: Reflections 20:20

8M ago20:20

20:20

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 wh…

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One year after 7 October: the Middle East’s regionalised war 26:24

10M ago26:24

26:24

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…

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Blast from the past: the return of long-range US missiles to Europe 16:27

11M ago16:27

16:27

In this episode of Sounds Strategic, podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Douglas Barrie and Timothy Wright to discuss the return of long-range US missiles to Europe. Amid Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine and following Russian violations of arms control measures, Washington and Berlin have announced they would begin episodic deployments of c…

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NATO's strategic pivot: defence spending and future challenges 16:25

12M ago16:25

16:25

In this latest episode, host Meia Nouwens, IISS Senior Fellow for Chinese Security and Defence Policy, is joined by IISS experts Henry Boyd, Fenella McGerty and Karl Dewey to dissect the critical outcomes of the NATO Leaders Summit held in Washington DC. The discussion navigates through the latest trends in NATO defence spending, the need for great…

1
IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2024: Reflections 21:45

1y ago21:45

21:45

Host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Dr Bastian Giegerich, Veerle Nouwens, Dr Ben Schreer and Morgan Michaels to discuss the key themes and takeaways from the 21st Shangri-La Dialogue. The episode delves into the proliferation of new partnership formats amidst the strategic competition between the US and China. The discussion also features a…

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IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2024 27:55

1y ago27:55

27:55

Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Evan A. Laksmana, Julia Voo, Nick Childs and Viraj Solanki to discuss the upcoming IISS Shangri-La Dialogue. This year's Dialogue comes after a turbulent year in the Indo-Pacific. US-China competition is ongoing and both countries continue to promote their competing offers to the Indo-Pacific regi…

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Long-range strike in the Indo-Pacific defence landscape 30:51

1y ago30:51

30:51

In the first Sounds Strategic episode of 2024, host Meia Nouwens is joined by Veerle Nouwens, Dr Evan A. Laksmana and Timothy Wright to discuss the Indo-Pacific security landscape. The IISS experts explore the developments in the US-China relationship, Southeast Asian military modernisation plans in response to growing Chinese assertiveness, and th…

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IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2023: Reflections 40:49

2y ago40:49

40:49

The IISS celebrated the 20th anniversary of its IISS Shangri-La Dialogue on 2-4 June and underlined the prime importance of in-person defence diplomacy in the region and beyond. In this episode of Sounds Strategic, guest host James Crabtree, Executive Director, IISS–Asia, is joined by IISS experts Dr Bastian Giegerich, Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Dr Eva…

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IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2023 40:20

2y ago40:20

40:20

At a time of ever-greater focus on the geopolitical and security dynamics of the Asia-Pacific, the importance of in-person debate among the region’s key actors is greater than ever. In the latest episode of Sounds Strategic, host Meia Nouwens is joined by James Crabtree, Dr Lynn Kuok, Aaron Connelly and Dr Ben Schreer to discuss the themes and topi…

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Australia's security in China's shadow 32:43

2+ y ago32:43

32:43

In the latest episode of Sounds Strategic, Meia Nouwens is joined by to Euan Graham and Nick Childs to discuss Australia’s relationship with China, and what role AUKUS plays in Australia’s defence and alliance policy settings. The speakers assess Australia’s policy towards China following a souring of bilateral relations and discuss what AUKUS aims…

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Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine: one year on 45:58

2+ y ago45:58

45:58

Since the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the world has witnessed unprecedented sanctions against Russia, and military and humanitarian support for Ukraine against a backdrop of ongoing military campaigns and loss of civilian life. In this new Sounds Strategic episode, host Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Maria Shagina and F…

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Strategic Survey 2022 31:07

2+ y ago31:07

31:07

Two conflicts mark a new fault line in geopolitics. The West’s withdrawal from Afghanistan ended the two-decade ‘war on terror’. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine six months later began the first major European war since 1945 – reshaping security, driving innovation in economic statecraft and testing Russia’s cohesion. This podcast episode marks the lau…

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The Armed Conflict Survey 2022 36:19

2+ y ago36:19

36:19

Geopolitical competition is an increasingly common feature of armed conflicts around the world. From Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to competing regional influences in Yemen, regional contests in Mozambique and climate-change mitigation efforts across continents. This podcast episode marks the launch of The Armed Conflict Survey 2022 with a discussio…

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Xi Jinping and China’s 20th Party Congress 34:09

2+ y ago34:09

34:09

In this episode, Sounds Strategic podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS expert Nigel Inkster, Senior Adviser for Cyber Security and China, to discuss the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which took place mid-October in Beijing. The event was widely anticipated to cement Xi Jinping's third term in power. Meia and Nigel d…

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Taiwan: a new normal for cross-strait relations? 32:26

3y ago32:26

32:26

Taiwan has been at the forefront of geopolitical concern in Asia and beyond, following Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taipei and the string of military exercises conducted by China in early August. Podcast guest host James Crabtree is joined by IISS experts Meia Nouwens, Franz-Stefan Gady and Henry Boyd to discuss the recent developments. Topics the speak…

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Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: six months on 48:28

3y ago48:28

48:28

Since the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the world has witnessed unprecedented sanctions against Russia, and military and humanitarian support for Ukraine against a backdrop of ongoing military campaigns and loss of civilian life. In this episode of Sounds Strategic, host Meia Nouwens is joined by four IISS experts to discuss the past six m…

1
NATO’s new Strategic Concept 32:50

3y ago32:50

32:50

NATO held its Madrid summit on 28-30 June 2022 against the backdrop of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the signing of an accession protocol for Finland and Sweden to join the alliance. Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts to discuss the adoption of the new Strategic Concept, its ambitions and challenges. Meia Nouwens a…

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IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2022: Reflections (part two) 30:41

3y ago30:41

30:41

The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue was back with a bang earlier this month and underlined the prime importance of in-person defence diplomacy. In the second part of our reflections, guest host James Crabtree is joined by IISS colleagues Dr Lynn Kuok, Dr Euan Graham and Aaron Connelly to discuss Asia’s premium defence summit and what stood out for them. T…

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IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2022: Reflections (part one) 30:12

3y ago30:12

30:12

The IISS Shangri-La Dialogue was back with a bang earlier this month and underlined the prime importance of in-person defence diplomacy. For the first time a crisis in Europe loomed large over Asia’s premier security summit, which took place in Singapore on 10-12 June 2022. Guest host James Crabtree is joined by IISS colleagues William Alberque, Ni…

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It's Back: IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2022 24:14

3y ago24:14

24:14

It’s back! Asia’s premier security summit, the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, will take place in Singapore on 10–12 June 2022. In this episode, guest host James Crabtree, Executive Director IISS-Asia, is joined by IISS colleagues Meia Nouwens, IISS Senior Fellow for Chinese Defence Policy and Military Modernisation, and Aaron Connelly, Senior Fellow for…

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Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: one month on 45:38

3+ y ago45:38

45:38

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022 and it remains an ongoing war. In this new Sounds Strategic episode, host Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, William Alberque and Franz-Stefan Gady to discuss the conflict through military, economic and political lenses. Meia and her guests address some of the most pressing questions in the i…

1
Europe in the Indo-Pacific: Common ground? 45:34

3+ y ago45:34

45:34

France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands and the European Union have published Indo-Pacific strategies, all of which foresee a greater economic, political and security relationship with the region. Military engagement of European powers in the maritime domain has received significant attention in 2021, following the deployment of the US, UK and Net…

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IISS Manama Dialogue 2021: Reflections 39:03

3+ y ago39:03

39:03

In this episode, host Meia Nouwens is joined by Sir Tom Beckett, Dr. Hasan al Hasan and Camille Lons to discuss the key themes from the 17th IISS Manama Dialogue, which was held in Bahrain From the 19th to the 21st of November 2021. The Manama Dialogue is an annual international security and regional diplomatic summit held in Bahrain that brings to…

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Strategic Survey 2021 34:30

3+ y ago34:30

34:30

From a cooperation deficit to the prospect of conflict over Taiwan, Strategic Survey 2021 outlines the wide array of challenges faced by the international rules-based order, and shows that great-power competition is becoming more prevalent and complex. To mark the launch of the annual flagship publication and discuss the main themes and topics, hos…

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The Armed Conflict Survey 2021 39:47

4y ago39:47

39:47

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, mobility restrictions and calls from the UN for a global ceasefire, the number of conflicts hit a record high in 2020, with more active conflicts than at any time since 1945. To mark the launch of The Armed Conflict Survey 2021, host Meia Nouwens is joined by some of the team behind the annual flagship report explo…

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IISS–Europe in Berlin 37:43

4y ago37:43

37:43

In this special episode of Sounds Strategic to mark the opening of the IISS–Europe office in Berlin, we meet key members of our new European research team. From great-power competition to state-led influence operations, and arms control to emerging and disruptive technologies, they explain how the IISS will bring a unique perspective to the Europea…

1
Technology and security in urban landscapes 36:05

4y ago36:05

36:05

In this episode, host Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Samir Puri, IISS Senior Fellow in Urban Security and Hybrid Warfare, and Antônio Sampaio, Senior Analyst at the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime, to discuss how technology impacts urban security and the democratic landscapes of cities. With over half of the world’s population…

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Belarus one year on 26:49

4y ago26:49

26:49

In this Sounds Strategic episode, Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia, Strategic Survey Editor and former ambassador to Minsk, to reflect on the protest movement in Belarus and Alexander Lukashenko’s regime. One year after an implausible election result ignited mass protests across Belarus, Nigel jo…

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40th Fullerton Lecture: US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III 26:28

4y ago26:28

26:28

This special episode of Sounds Strategic explores the significance of the 40th Fullerton Lecture, which US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III delivered on Tuesday 27 July 2021. Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by James Crabtree, Executive Director of IISS–Asia, Dr Euan Graham, Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific Security, an…

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The Chinese Communist Party at 100 33:07

4y ago33:07

33:07

In this episode of Sounds Strategic, special guest host James Crabtree is joined by Meia Nouwens, Senior Fellow for Chinese Defence Policy and Military Modernisation, and Nigel Inkster, Senior Adviser for Cyber Security and China, to examine China’s domestic and international outlook. As China marks the centenary of its ruling party, James, Meia an…

1
How does climate change impact global security? 34:25

4y ago34:25

34:25

In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by Ben Barry, Senior Fellow for Land Warfare, and Shiloh Fetzek, Associate Fellow for Conflict, Security and Development, to discuss the implications of climate change for global security and defence. With climate security rising on the global security agenda, Meia, Ben and Shiloh discus…

1
Measuring state cyber power 38:52

4y ago38:52

38:52

In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by Greg Austin, Senior Fellow for Cyber, Space and Future Conflict, and Franz-Stefan Gady, Research Fellow for Cyber, Space and Future Conflict, to discuss the findings of a new IISS report on cyber capabilities and national power. A new report by the IISS has assessed the cyber power of…

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Latin America’s engagement with external powers 41:03

4y ago41:03

41:03

In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by Irene Mia, Editor of the Armed Conflict Survey and Senior Fellow for Latin America and Conflict, Security and Development, and Amanda Lapo, Research Associate for Defence and Military Analysis, to discuss geopolitical developments in Latin America. How has the shifting global geopolit…

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The UK’s naval presence in the Indo-Pacific 33:27

4y ago33:27

33:27

In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by Nick Childs, Senior Fellow for Naval Forces and Maritime Security, to discuss the United Kingdom’s naval ambitions in the Indo-Pacific. Following the First Sea Lord’s Sea Power Conference on 19 May 2021, Meia and Nick reflect on the UK’s Carrier Strike Group and its deployment to the …

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Asia's regional security order 38:19

4y ago38:19

38:19

In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by James Crabtree, Executive Director of IISS–Asia, to discuss the trends and developments that have shaped political and security dynamics in Asia in the past year. Meia and James explore some of the major thematic issues that will be covered at the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue on 4−5 June,…

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What next for Suga's Japan? 35:18

4y ago35:18

35:18

In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by Robert Ward, IISS Japan Chair and Director of Geo-economics and Strategy, and Yuka Koshino, Research Fellow for Japanese Security and Defence Policy, to unpack the policy priorities and challenges on Japanese Prime Minister Suga’s 2021 agenda. Ahead of the next IISS Shangri-La Dialogu…

1
NATO and artificial intelligence 37:28

4y ago37:28

37:28

In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by Erica Pepe, Senior Coordinator for Research and Conflict, Security and Development Analyst, and Franz-Stefan Gady, Research Fellow for Cyber, Space and Future Conflict, to discuss NATO and AI. Meia, Erica and Franz-Stefan explore the motivations behind NATO’s focus on artificial intel…

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Reviving the Iran nuclear deal: prospects and challenges 32:58

4+ y ago32:58

32:58

In this episode, Sounds Strategic host Meia Nouwens is joined by John Krzyzaniak, Research Analyst for Non-Proliferation and Nuclear Policy, and Timothy Wright, Research Analyst and Programme Administrator for Defence and Military Analysis, to discuss Iran, its missile-development programme and the JCPOA. With a new, Democrat-led administration in …

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The changing defence-industrial landscape 32:57

4+ y ago32:57

32:57

In this episode, podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Tom Waldwyn, Research Associate for Defence Procurement, and Haena Jo, Research Analyst for Defence and Military Analysis, to discuss the increasingly diversified landscape of defence industry and defence procurement. With successive governments in Turkey, South Korea, Brazil and Poland having…

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Fragility and global (dis)order: lessons from North Africa 45:43

4+ y ago45:43

45:43

In this episode, podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Benjamin Petrini, Research Fellow for Conflict, Security and Development, and Dr Umberto Profazio, Associate Fellow for Conflict, Security and Development, to reflect on the concept of fragility. Approaching the concept of fragility in a multidimensional way, Meia, Benjamin and Umberto exam…

1
Global defence developments: 2020 and beyond 40:37

4+ y ago40:37

40:37

In this episode of Sounds Strategic, Meia Nouwens is joined by Fenella McGerty, Senior Fellow for Defence Economics, and Henry Boyd, Research Fellow for Defence and Military Analysis, to discuss the global defence developments identified in the latest edition of The Military Balance. To mark the publication of The Military Balance 2021, launching t…

1
Security on the Korean Peninsula after Trump: a new era? 32:12

4+ y ago32:12

32:12

In this episode, Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Euan Graham, Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific Security, and Joseph Dempsey, Research Associate for Defence and Military Analysis, to examine recent developments on the Korean Peninsula, including the current state of the relationships between the two Koreas and the United States, as we…

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Democracy prevails: what next for the US at home and abroad? 32:19

4+ y ago32:19

32:19

In this episode, Meia Nouwens is joined by Dr Ben Rhode, Editor of The Adelphi Series and IISS Senior Fellow for Transatlantic Affairs, and Dr Kori Schake, Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute and former IISS Deputy Director-General. Together, they reflect on the legacy of the Trump presidency and also…