In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Air Marshall Edward Stringer, for a timely and wide-ranging conversation on Iran, NATO, and the future of Western power.

We explore the question at the heart of today’s conflicts: who is actually winning? Against the backdrop of rising tensions with Iran and a shifting global order, Stringer challenges the idea that military strikes alone can deliver lasting outcomes, arguing that without a clear political end state, even successful operations risk achieving very little.

The discussion looks at the limits of air power and modern warfare, and why technological superiority is no substitute for coherent strategy. Stringer explains how interventions can shape events in the short term, but cannot create stability on their own, raising serious questions about recent Western actions in the Middle East.

We also examine the state of NATO and Western defence more broadly. Stringer warns that capabilities have declined significantly, with the UK and its allies falling behind in readiness and resilience, even as threats become more immediate and complex.

Finally, the conversation turns to the bigger picture. From Iran and global energy security to the role of allies and so-called middle powers, this episode asks whether the West is entering a period of strategic drift and what it would take to reverse that trajectory.

A clear-eyed and thought-provoking discussion on war, power, and the future of the West.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:36 Stringer’s Military Background & Experience

05:04 The Libya Campaign Explained

07:51 Libya: Did Air Power Really Work?

09:00 Why You Can’t “Bomb Your Way To Victory”

15:39 Iran Today: What Does “Success” Look Like?

19:26 Was War With Iran Inevitable?

20:16 Can Air Power Ever Deliver Regime Change?

25:51 Trump’s War Rhetoric & Its Consequences

28:07 Social Media, War & Political Messaging

31:21 The Problem With US Global Leadership

35:49 Has The US Always Controlled NATO?

38:07 Europe’s Military Weakness Explained

40:31 Will Things “Go Back To Normal” After Trump?

41:57 A Fundamental Shift In Global Power

43:26 Has The UK Fallen Behind On Defence?

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Strimpel shares her shocking experience visiting an anti-Semitic art exhibit in Margate, describing the disturbing imagery and rhetoric. She challenges the artist, raising questions about political expression, hate, institutions, and the normalisation of extreme ideas.

The conversation explores how modern feminist movements have evolved and sometimes lost sight of their original aims. Strimpel argues that while feminism has made gains, its contemporary form is entangled with identity politics, victimhood narratives, and ideologies that undermine individual agency and social cohesion. The episode examines how these ideas intersect with attitudes towards Israel, the West, and liberal democracy.

A central theme is the paradox of modern progressive movements: how feminist strands that claim to champion women’s rights can align with ideologies and regimes that oppose them. Strimpel traces a recurring pattern of anti-Semitism within feminist spaces, arguing that this is not new but increasingly visible.

The conversation explores deeper cultural questions, such as the decline of family formation, changing attitudes to relationships and sexuality, and whether modern societies can sustain long-term fulfilment. Strimpel challenges assumptions about power, freedom, and gender, arguing that Western liberalism, despite its flaws, remains the most successful framework for human flourishing, especially for women.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/why-do-feminists-have-a-problem-with?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:59 Inside the Gallery: “This Was Next Level”

05:21 Nazi Imagery and Blood Libels

07:46 Confronting the Artist and Crowd Intimidation

10:41 Calling the Police and Institutional Failure

13:37 Civil Society Complicity and Cultural Silence

17:55 Why Progressive Women Support Hamas

20:42 Feminism and Jihadism: An Impossible Alliance

21:06 The History of Anti-Semitism in Feminism

23:24 Class, Elites and Anti-Jewish Sentiment

24:17 Why Moral Clarity on Israel Is Rejected

25:00 Identity Politics and the Corruption of Feminism

27:46 Cognitive Dissonance in Western Activism

28:28 The “Problem With Women” in Modern Politics

31:54 Victimhood Culture and Feminist Identity

33:01 Hypocrisy in Modern Feminism

36:55 The Backlash to Good Slut

37:56 Bonnie Blue and the Limits of Liberal Society

40:07 Sexual Freedom vs Social Collapse

41:40 Family, Community and the Future of Society

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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Charles Moore, former editor of The Daily Telegraph and The Spectator, and the definitive biographer of Margaret Thatcher, to examine a West in crisis.

With geopolitical tensions rising, the transatlantic alliance under strain, and Britain facing deep internal divisions, Moore offers a sweeping diagnosis of where things have gone wrong and what might come next.

The conversation begins with one of the most difficult and urgent questions facing Europe today: how Islam fits within Western societies. Moore reflects on decades of thought on the subject, arguing that the challenge is not simply demographic, but philosophical, rooted in unresolved tensions between religion, state, and pluralism. From integration and extremism to the failures of government policy, he lays out why current approaches may be empowering the wrong voices.

We then turn to British politics, where the collapse of trust in the main parties has given rise to insurgent movements on both left and right. Moore explains why this fragmentation is both understandable and dangerous, and why populist parties often diagnose problems better than they solve them.

The discussion also explores the weakening of the transatlantic relationship in the age of Trump, the rise of ideological extremes in American politics, and the growing confusion in the information age, where truth, propaganda, and narrative increasingly blur together.

This is a wide-ranging and deeply thought-provoking conversation about identity, leadership, and the future of the West.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:42 Why the Public No Longer Believes the Establishment

03:58 The Rise of Ideology Over Evidence

06:12 How Elite Institutions Became Politicised

08:47 The Media’s Role in Shaping Public Narrative

11:05 Truth vs Narrative: What Changed?

13:26 Social Media, Censorship and Information Control

15:52 The Expert Class and the Illusion of Authority

18:34 Covid, Groupthink and Institutional Failure

21:06 The Incentives That Drive Bad Decisions

23:41 Why Dissent Is Shut Down

26:12 Identity Politics and Institutional Capture

29:05 How Bureaucracies Protect Themselves

32:18 Political Leadership and Failure of Accountability

35:44 The Consequences for Democracy

39:12 Immigration, Culture and Social Fragmentation

42:36 Economic Stagnation and Policy Failure

46:18 Britain vs the United States: A Growing Divide

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by former British diplomat and intelligence expert John Jenkins for a deep dive into the influence of Islamism, the Muslim Brotherhood, and the growing challenges facing Britain and the West.

The conversation begins with the controversy surrounding public religious displays in Britain, and whether questions around cultural dominance and the use of public space can still be debated openly. Jenkins argues that these are legitimate issues, but increasingly difficult to discuss without accusations shutting down the conversation.

Drawing on his 2015 government review, he explains how Islamism differs from Islam, and why movements like the Muslim Brotherhood present a long-term ideological challenge to Western liberal democracies. The discussion explores how these ideas operate not just politically, but through social networks, charities, universities, and community structures.

The episode also examines the concept of “creeping influence” within public life, from changing social norms to the role of identity and integration in Britain. Jenkins stresses that the problem is not simple or singular, but part of a broader ideological ecosystem that interacts with wider cultural and economic factors.

Turning to foreign policy, the conversation shifts to Iran, with Jenkins arguing that Western governments have consistently misunderstood the nature of the regime. He critiques decades of policy shaped by wishful thinking, warning that Iran operates as a revolutionary state with global ambitions and deep links to militant networks.

Finally, the discussion focuses on what Britain should do next. Jenkins outlines a clear approach: restore open debate, follow the money behind extremist networks, rebuild institutional expertise, and confront subversive activity before it escalates into violence.

A wide-ranging and provocative conversation about ideology, security, and the future of the West.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:49 Who Is Sir John Jenkins? Background and Experience

03:26 Is Public Religious Display a Political Signal?

05:21 Why Islamism Challenges Western Liberal Democracy

07:48 Islam as Religion vs Islamism as Political System

08:59 Can Islam Be Compatible With Western Democracy?

12:01 Islamism as a Totalising Ideology

14:41 The Muslim Brotherhood’s Long-Term Strategy

17:33 Why Debate on Islamism Is Being Shut Down

18:50 Social Media, Intimidation and Closed Debate

19:34 Universities, DEI and Ideological Monoculture

21:33 The Muslim Brotherhood as a Global Network

24:20 Follow the Money: Financing Islamist Movements

27:52 Integration, Identity and Segregation in Britain

30:17 Economic Growth vs Cultural Fragmentation

31:04 Mosques, Preaching and Inflammatory Rhetoric

33:03 The Rise of a Global Muslim Identity

34:40 Iran Strategy: Where the West Got It Wrong

36:45 The Nuclear Deal, Wishful Thinking and Reality

40:41 Foreign Office Failures and Loss of Expertise

42:29 Is Iran a Revolutionary State and Active Threat?

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Using the by-election as a starting point, we explore how immigration, identity politics, and cultural division are reshaping British politics. Lionel reflects on the growing disconnect between political elites and the public, and why questions around national identity, integration, and social cohesion are increasingly dominating the political conversation.

The discussion also turns to the wider cultural climate in the West. We examine the pressures shaping public debate, the influence of identity politics in media and institutions, and why many writers and public figures now feel constrained in what they can say openly. Lionel explains why she believes a culture of self-censorship has taken hold and how this affects journalism, literature, and democratic discourse.

Finally, we ask what the future holds for Western societies as these tensions deepen. Are we witnessing a political realignment driven by cultural issues, and what does that mean for the stability of democratic institutions?

This is a candid and thought-provoking conversation about politics, culture, and the forces now reshaping Britain and the wider West.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/sectarian-muslim-voting-is-changing?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:22 Reaction to the Gorton & Denton By-Election

05:37 Immigration, Demographics and Political Power

07:08 Tribal Voting and the Breakdown of Assimilation

08:16 Identity Politics and the Green Party Alliance

10:18 Israel, Palestine and Progressive Politics

10:58 Who Is Manipulating Whom? Greens vs Muslim Voters

12:32 The Muslim Brotherhood and Political Strategy

15:22 Is Islam Compatible With Liberal Democracy?

18:38 Historical Parallels: Lessons from the Iranian Revolution

20:15 Lionel Shriver’s Novel A Better Life and Immigration

24:20 Borders, Nationhood and the Ideological Divide

26:32 Immigration as “Home Invasion” — The Novel’s Metaphor

27:26 Old Immigration vs Modern Immigration

31:14 Choosing the Right Immigration Policy

36:23 Disorder, Gang Culture and Failed Integration

37:12 Meet the Characters: Gloria and Progressive Compassion

39:16 Nico and the Collapse of the Work Ethic

43:41 Domingo, Masculinity and Cultural Conflict

48:29 The Decline of Western Work Ethic

51:03 Is There a Sensible Middle Ground on Immigration?

54:40 The Crisis of Western Identity

56:13 Civilisations in Decline and Cultural Self-Hatred

59:19 Complacency, Fragility and the Future of the West

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Chris explains what it is like to report from the battlefield with nothing but a camera, capturing the brutal realities of trench warfare, drone attacks, and the human cost of the conflict. Having worked closely with Ukrainian soldiers, medics, and civilians since 2014, he reflects on the desperation faced by those fighting and living through the war, and the difficulty of communicating that reality to audiences in the West.

The conversation explores what many Europeans and Americans still fail to grasp about the conflict, from the psychological toll on Ukrainian society to the stark difference between watching war on a screen and experiencing it firsthand. Chris also shares how his work has evolved beyond journalism, helping wounded soldiers access treatment and prosthetics while continuing to document the stories of those caught in the conflict.

Finally, he reflects on the personal motivations that brought him to Ukraine in the first place, including a desire to understand the wartime experiences of his grandfather and the powerful bonds formed among people facing danger together.

This is a raw and deeply personal conversation from the heart of a country still fighting for its survival.

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Sir Richard draws on decades of experience at the heart of Britain’s intelligence community to explain how the current crisis with Iran should be understood. We discuss the strategic calculations behind Western and Israeli actions, how intelligence agencies assess regime stability, and why the Islamic Republic remains such a persistent threat to regional and global security.

The conversation also explores the role of intelligence in modern conflict, from covert operations and alliance cooperation to the limits of diplomacy when dealing with ideological regimes. Sir Richard reflects on how Western intelligence services interpret signals from Tehran, the risks of escalation in the Middle East, and what the conflict could mean for the wider balance of power.

Finally, we look at the long-term future of the Iranian regime and whether internal pressure, economic strain, and external confrontation could ultimately lead to its collapse.

This is a rare and revealing conversation with one of Britain’s most experienced intelligence figures about espionage, statecraft, and the high-stakes struggle now unfolding in the Middle East.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/mi6-spymaster-reveals-the-shadow?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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We begin by looking at the current military situation around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, including the role of naval deployments, missile threats, and the strategic importance of keeping global shipping lanes open. Tom explains why the UK’s naval presence matters in this kind of conflict and what capabilities British forces could realistically contribute alongside the United States.

The conversation then turns to a wider critique of Britain’s defence posture. From delays in deploying ships to chronic shortages of equipment and personnel, we explore how decades of decline have left the Royal Navy and wider armed forces stretched dangerously thin. Tom also breaks down the failures in defence procurement, the waste within the system, and why Britain struggles to translate a large defence budget into real military capability.

Finally, we discuss the strategic choices facing the UK. Should Britain focus on European security and the Russian threat, or continue playing a global role alongside the United States in regions like the Middle East? And what would it actually take to rebuild a military capable of meeting the challenges of an increasingly unstable world?

This is a candid and sobering discussion about Britain’s military decline, the realities of modern warfare, and the urgent reforms needed if the UK is to remain a credible power.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/what-the-royal-navys-shame-says-about?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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Hillel argues that the UN’s response to the Iranian uprising has exposed deep structural problems within the organisation. While tens of thousands of protesters were reportedly killed during the regime’s crackdown, many UN bodies remained largely silent, yet quickly condemned the United States and Israel when military action was taken against the Iranian regime.

We explore how authoritarian states have gradually come to dominate key UN institutions, from the Human Rights Council to special rapporteur positions, and why mechanisms that were originally intended to defend human rights are now often used to advance political agendas. Hillel also explains how propaganda, procedural manoeuvres, and ideological alliances shape the way international law and legitimacy are discussed on the global stage.

Finally, we ask whether the UN can realistically be reformed, or whether democracies must find new ways to defend liberal values in a world where authoritarian regimes increasingly shape international institutions.

This is a candid and provocative conversation about international law, moral authority, and the struggle over the institutions meant to uphold the global order.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/p/iran-war-how-the-un-has-been-hijacked?r=63dafp

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:21 The UN’s Reaction to the Iran Protests

05:00 Why the UN Condemns the US and Israel

06:36 October 7 and the UN’s Anti-Israel Bias

10:12 Why the UN Still Won’t Condemn Hamas

10:45 How Dictatorships Captured the UN

12:25 Why the UN Still Holds Global Legitimacy

14:14 Is the UN Actually Effective?

15:52 Can the UN Be a Neutral Legal Arbiter?

18:58 Iran’s Long War Against America

20:00 When International Law Undermines National Interest

21:39 Why Moral Action Sometimes Means Ignoring the UN

25:00 How the UN Was Hijacked After Decolonisation

27:00 The Role of the UN Secretariat

29:17 Special Rapporteurs and the Accountability Problem

35:05 The Genocide Accusations Against Israel Explained

40:30 Calling Out Hypocrisy at the United Nations

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We discuss how the military operation has unfolded so far, why Iran’s response has followed a predictable pattern of drones and ballistic missiles, and what the campaign reveals about the strengths and weaknesses of the Iranian regime. Norman explains why Tehran may avoid closing the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic miscalculations that may have shaped Iran’s early decisions, and how Gulf states are navigating a conflict happening on their doorstep.

The conversation also explores the broader geopolitical stakes. We examine the role of intelligence cooperation between the United States and Israel, the limits of air power in forcing regime change, and the difficult question of what a post-conflict Iran might look like. Could the regime collapse, or could the country descend into fragmentation and unrest?

Finally, we discuss the long-term implications for the Middle East, from the future of the Abraham Accords to the possibility of deeper security integration among Gulf states. This is a wide-ranging and sobering conversation about war, intelligence, and the uncertain path toward a more stable Middle East.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/cia-iran-expert-this-war-will-change?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:24 Inside the US Campaign Against Iran

05:42 Why Iran Won’t Close the Strait of Hormuz

08:00 Strategic Failures Inside the Iranian Regime

10:05 Why This Was the “Moment” to Act

11:54 The Courage of the Iranian People

15:00 Trump’s Strategy: Keep the Enemy Guessing

17:02 The Kurdish Question and Risks of Fragmenting Iran

19:28 Why Iranian Protests Haven’t Overthrown the Regime

22:09 Can Air Power Bring Down the Islamic Republic?

25:37 US–Israel Intelligence Cooperation Against Iran

30:32 The Gulf States’ Real Position on the War

35:33 Why the Gulf Feels Abandoned by the International Community

38:10 Europe, Trump and the Fracturing of the Western Alliance

40:00 Will the Abraham Accords Expand After This War?

42:12 How Defeating Iran’s Proxies Could Transform the Middle East

46:57 The Intelligence Case for War With Iran

49:40 Imminent Threats, Terrorism and the Logic of Military Action

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In this special episode of The Brink, recorded in Kyiv to mark the fourth anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s full-scale invasion, Andrew and Jake bring you a powerful double interview from the front line of Europe’s most consequential war.

In the first half, we are joined by Colonel Ruslan Miroshnichenko, known by Santa, founder and commander of Ukraine’s Second International Legion. He tells the extraordinary story of building a multinational fighting force from scratch in the first chaotic weeks of the invasion, drawing volunteers from more than 30 countries. From British and American veterans to Colombian, Georgian, and Australian fighters, Santa explains what motivated them to leave their lives behind and fight for Ukraine.

He describes the brutal reality of trench warfare in the Serebriansky Forest, the evolution of drone and electronic warfare, and the moral weight of commanding both seasoned soldiers and inexperienced young volunteers. We also hear gripping stories from the front line, including the capture of Russian prisoners, the human cost of the war, and the responsibility he feels towards the families of fallen international fighters.

In the second half, we are joined by Heorhii Tykhyi, former war correspondent and now a senior diplomat at Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Georgi reflects on the staggering casualty figures on both sides and argues that despite Russia’s vast losses, Vladimir Putin has failed strategically. We discuss the state of the peace process, the role of the United States under President Trump, and whether Washington remains a reliable partner for Kyiv.

The conversation broadens to the emerging axis of Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China, and why Ukraine sees itself not as a recipient of Western charity but as a battle-hardened asset to European security. Georgi makes the case that Ukraine’s experience, technology, and resilience are essential to the future defence of the West.

This is a sobering and urgent episode from the Ukrainian capital, combining battlefield reality with geopolitical strategy, and asking what it will truly take to secure peace in Europe.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:05 Zelensky’s Call and the Birth of the International Legion

04:55 Who Joined? 30–40 Nations on the Front Line

09:34 Motivation: Idealism, Not Money

13:31 What Modern War in Ukraine Actually Looks Like

16:01 “Now You’re the Taliban” – Firepower Reality Check

17:49 Amateurs at War: Can You Train Civilians Fast Enough?

21:26 Holding the Sebriansky Forest: 13 Months Under Fire

23:18 Russia’s “Meat Grinder” Tactics Explained

24:29 Capturing Russian POWs: Drunk, Lost, and Mobilised

29:06 Respecting the Enemy and Adapting to Russian Tactics

31:42 Electronic Warfare and Intelligence Games

33:47 The Burden of Command: Speaking to Bereaved Families

35:56 Kyiv’s War Memorial and the Cost of Sacrifice

37:10 Casualty Figures: A Million Russian Losses?

39:30 Is This a Strategic Failure for Putin?

40:44 World War II Comparisons and Russian Myth-Making

42:26 The Peace Process: Pressure, Ultimatums and Reality

43:29 America’s Role: Partner, Powerbroker or Problem?

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We begin with the disruption of Haviv’s lecture at Haverford College, where keffiyeh-clad activists attempted to shut down a talk on Jewish history and the charge of settler colonialism. Haviv reflects on the ignorance driving campus activism, the collapse of serious historical scholarship, and the failure of elite universities to equip students with intellectual depth or empathy.

Haviv argues that Israel’s strength lies in its synthesis of Western democracy and Middle Eastern solidarity, combining liberal institutions with a deep sense of tribal cohesion and shared destiny. We discuss why that social trust has produced military resilience, demographic growth, technological innovation, and high levels of national happiness, even during wartime.

The conversation also examines the broader crisis facing Western societies, from cultural self-erasure and collapsing social trust to the information warfare being waged by hostile states and ideological movements. We ask whether the West can rediscover the solidarity that once sustained it, and whether Israel’s model offers lessons rather than condemnation.

In the second part of the episode, Andrew joins to discuss his new Henry Jackson Society report, Tactical Lessons from Gaza, and what Western militaries must learn from the war. We examine how Hamas weaponised civilian casualties, how the information battlefield reshaped global opinion, and how Israel adapted its military doctrine in real time to meet the challenge of urban and tunnel warfare.

This is a searching and urgent conversation about identity, democracy, and whether the West still has the confidence to defend the civilisation it built.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/the-real-reason-israel-is-targeted?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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Andrew explains why the Gaza war has become the most politicised conflict in modern history, and how Hamas successfully turned battlefield defeat into strategic influence by weaponising civilian casualty figures. We unpack how propaganda, NGOs, international institutions, and the media helped reshape the narrative of the war, often ignoring context, verification, and basic military realities.

The conversation moves deep into the realities of combat in Gaza. We explore Hamas’ vast tunnel network, the use of human shields, and the extraordinary bravery required of Israeli soldiers fighting underground. Andrew sets out how the IDF adapted in real time, developing new approaches to combined arms warfare, intelligence fusion, special forces integration, and urban combat under unprecedented conditions.

We also examine operational and logistical failures, from ammunition shortages to supply chains under fire, and what these challenges reveal about Western unpreparedness for large-scale war. The discussion covers intelligence failures before October 7, the limits of technology without human intelligence, and why information warfare now plays a decisive role in shaping public support for conflict.

Finally, we turn to the most important lessons of all. Andrew explains how Israel dramatically reduced battlefield deaths through medical innovation, forward-deployed doctors, and whole blood transfusion, saving hundreds of lives that would have been lost in earlier wars. We ask whether Britain and its allies are willing to learn these lessons, or whether ideology and propaganda will once again stand in the way.

This is a rigorous, challenging, and essential conversation about modern warfare, truth, and what the West must confront before the next major conflict arrives.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/the-brutal-and-honest-truth-about?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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In a wide ranging conversation with Iranian presenter Negar Mojtahedi, who herself is on the regime’s death list, we discuss the brutal crackdown on protesters, the scale of the killings, and why Iran’s uprising has received so little sustained attention in the West. Drawing on reporting from inside the country, we examine mass executions, torture, internet shutdowns, and the use of fear to crush dissent.

The discussion turns to Donald Trump’s approach to Iran, the limits of diplomacy, and what military action would realistically look like. We explore whether the regime can be pressured into collapse, the risks of normalising Tehran through a deal, and why the Iranian leadership’s ideology makes genuine compromise unlikely.

We also address the information war now playing out on Western streets and online, where regime propaganda is amplified by activists who frame Iran solely through the lens of opposition to Israel. From protests in London to the exploitation of Western guilt and confusion, we examine how the Islamic Republic uses disinformation to shield itself from accountability.

Finally, we ask what a free Iran could actually look like, the role of figures such as Reza Pahlavi, and whether the international community is willing to stand with the Iranian people rather than sacrifice them to geopolitical convenience.

This is a sobering and urgent conversation about tyranny, propaganda, and why Iran’s struggle matters not just to Iranians, but to the future of the free world.

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We begin with the explosive recent revelations surrounding Peter Mandelson and his association with Jeffrey Epstein. Sir Trevor speaks candidly about friendship, loyalty, and where moral lines are drawn when serious allegations emerge. He reflects on why he chose to publicly stand by a long-time friend, and what it reveals about hypocrisy.

The conversation then widens to Sir Trevor’s own life and career, from growing up in an immigrant family to becoming one of the most prominent voices in British public life. He explains why he has repeatedly challenged orthodoxies on race, identity, and multiculturalism, and why he believes honesty about integration and cultural difference matters more than political comfort.

We explore the failures of multicultural policy, the rise of segregation, and the challenge of extremism in a liberal democracy. Sir Trevor discusses Muslim integration, the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, and why authorities too often appease the loudest voices rather than enforcing equal standards under the law. He also reflects on Britishness, arguing that a shared civic culture matters more than rigid or performative definitions of identity.

The discussion turns to the media and journalism, where Sir Trevor delivers a sharp critique of activism in newsrooms, the loss of curiosity among younger journalists, and the collapse of the distinction between reporting and advocacy. He explains how this has distorted coverage of Israel, antisemitism, and major cultural issues, and why public trust has eroded so badly.

This is a frank, challenging, and intellectually rich conversation about loyalty, courage, and what it will take to hold a diverse society together without losing confidence in truth or moral clarity.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/sir-trevor-phillips-i-stand-by-peter?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:35 Sir Trevor Phillips on Peter Mandelson

16:06 Navigating Establishment and Challenging Orthodoxy

22:11 Empathy and Understanding Different Perspectives

36:43 Muslim Integration and Multiculturalism

44:39 Challenges of Extremism and Ghettoization

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In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Atbin Moayedi & Haleh Blake to examine the unfolding catastrophe in Iran, where the death toll from the latest nationwide uprising has risen above 30,000 while much of the Western media remains largely silent.

They have been working relentlessly to document what is happening inside the Islamic Republic and to get the truth out to journalists, governments, and the public. Drawing on direct contact with people on the ground, they describe mass killings, executions, mass graves, chemical weapons, and the use of hospitals as sites of repression.

The conversation explores how the regime has imposed a de facto military lockdown across the country, cutting off internet access, arresting people in the streets, and targeting anyone with signs of protest. We discuss the systematic use of torture, sexual violence, organ removal, and financial extortion of grieving families, as well as the psychological toll this violence is taking on Iranians both inside the country and across the diaspora.

We also confront the failure of international institutions, Western governments, and major news organisations to respond with urgency. We ask why Iran receives so little coverage compared to other conflicts, how economic and geopolitical interests shape media narratives, and why the Islamic Republic continues to enjoy impunity despite its actions at home and abroad.

Finally, we look ahead to what comes next. We discuss the role of Reza Pahlavi, the possibility of international intervention, and whether this moment represents a genuine chance for the collapse of the regime and the birth of a free Iran.

This is a harrowing and essential conversation about courage, hypocrisy, and one of the worst human rights crises of our time.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/iran-bloodbath-why-is-the-media-silent?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

01:43 – A People’s Revolution, Not a Proxy War

04:09 – 30,000 Dead: What’s Really Happening on the Streets

06:15 – Iran as a Military State

08:36 – Door-to-Door Arrests & Hospital Executions

10:52 – Organ Removal, Silence & Regime Brutality

12:16 – Why the Media Looked Away

14:46 – Oil, Gas & the Money Behind Silence

18:16 – Why Gaza Dominates Coverage

19:43 – The Regime’s Lobbying Network in the UK & US

22:58 – Western Media as Regime Amplifier

25:28 – A Universal Human Rights Struggle

28:07 – Celebrity Silence & Moral Cowardice

32:26 – Who Iranians Really Are

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In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Gaza-born analyst and one of the most prominent moderate Palestinian voices. Drawing on his upbringing in Gaza and his work today as a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, Ahmed offers a rare and deeply personal account of life under Hamas.

Ahmed describes how Hamas systematically groomed children through schools, mosques, and summer camps, recounting his own childhood experiences of indoctrination, intimidation, and early encounters with Hamas leadership. He explains how the group transformed religious spaces into propaganda hubs, used violence to impose social control, and built a generational system of radicalisation that many in the West still fail to understand.

The conversation turns to Gaza today. Ahmed outlines the existence of two parallel societies, one living in extreme deprivation and another protected by access to salaries, aid networks, and Hamas-controlled taxation systems. He exposes how aid is diverted, how hospitals are used as centres of repression and torture, and how Hamas has rebuilt its finances since the ceasefire through taxation and intimidation.

We also examine the Muslim Brotherhood playbook, its influence in the UK and across the West, and why moderate Palestinian voices are often silenced by intimidation from Islamist networks. Finally, Ahmed sets out a stark assessment of Gaza’s future, the failure of the so-called peace mechanisms currently being proposed, and what would actually be required to dismantle Hamas and give Palestinians a genuine chance at a different future.

This is a sobering, courageous, and essential conversation about extremism, truth, and the human cost of allowing ideology to triumph over reality.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/final-hostages-are-home-palestinian?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:18 Early Indoctrination & Life in UNRWA Schools

06:35 The Second Intifada & Radicalisation of Children

10:12 Personal Encounters with Hamas Leaders

14:50 Mosques, Schools & the Indoctrination Pipeline

16:53 The Muslim Brotherhood Playbook Explained

21:06 Groomed by Hamas & the Road to Asylum

24:03 Exporting Radicalisation to the West

27:07 Why Moderate Muslims Are Silenced

29:00 The UK’s Blind Spot on Islamist Networks

30:02 Saudi Arabia, Abraham Accords & Regional Power

32:04 Why Gaza Must Reject the “Resistance Narrative”

35:12 A Pragmatic Path Forward for Palestinians

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We begin with the alarming decline of Holocaust education in British schools and ask why Jewish history is increasingly treated as a provocation rather than a warning. Rachel explains how fear, appeasement, and cultural cowardice have led schools and institutions to erase Jews rather than confront antisemitism, while Brendan argues that comparisons between Gaza and the Holocaust represent a dangerous inversion of history and morality.

The conversation widens to Britain’s failure of integration, the influence of Islamist ideology, and how appeasement has shaped policing, education, and public life. We examine the Aston Villa and West Midlands Police scandal, exposing how misinformation, institutional bias, and political pressure led to the exclusion of Israeli fans and the creation of what amounted to a Jew-free zone.

We also explore the role of the media, social platforms, and NGOs in spreading propaganda, the double standards applied to Israel compared to Iran and other conflicts, and why antisemitism has re-emerged in respectable language under the banner of anti Zionism. The panel reflects personally on why they continue to speak out, despite professional and social costs, and whether there are still grounds for hope.

This is a raw, urgent, and unflinching live conversation about truth, courage, and what happens when a society loses the confidence to defend its own values.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/the-wests-antisemitism-crisis-with?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

ALSO, don't forget to claim your free one-month trial here: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/newyeartrial

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Michael reflects on the dramatic realignment of British politics, from high-profile defections to Reform UK and the collapse of the old centrist consensus, to the internal struggles facing both the Conservative Party and Labour. He shares his thoughts on leadership, loyalty, ambition, and what political life is really like behind closed doors.

Michael also reflects on his appearance on The Rest is Politics…where Jake brings up some of the most heated moments…

The conversation explores immigration, Islamism, free speech, and the failure of successive governments to confront extremism with honesty and confidence. We discuss the rise of moral relativism, the role of the media, and why difficult conversations about culture, security, and national identity are so often shut down rather than addressed.

This is a thoughtful and revealing conversation about politics after the age of certainties, and what Britain must confront if it is to recover confidence in itself and its institutions.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/must-watch-michael-gove-slams-centrist?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

ALSO, don't forget to claim your free one-month trial here: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/newyeartrial

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Drawing on documents obtained from inside IRGC headquarters and direct contact with protest leaders, our guest explains how the regime’s vast infrastructure of repression operates at every level of Iranian society. We discuss the use of military-grade weapons against unarmed civilians, the scale of arrests and executions, and why the death toll is likely far higher than officially reported.

The conversation explores how Iran’s violence is no longer contained within its borders. From regime-sponsored attacks on British soil to the radicalisation of children in the UK, we examine why what happens in Iran directly threatens Britain’s national security. We also confront the failure of Western governments to proscribe the IRGC, the silence of political leaders, and the dangerous double standards applied by the media and international institutions.

Finally, we look ahead to what comes next. We discuss the prospects for regime collapse, the role of external pressure, the risks of insurgency, and what a post-Islamic Republic Iran could realistically look like. From a secular republic to a constitutional monarchy, we ask what the Iranian people actually want and what the West should do if it truly believes in freedom and human rights.

This is a powerful and unsettling conversation about tyranny, courage, and why Iran’s struggle matters far beyond its borders.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/the-real-death-toll-in-iran-and-why?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

02:30 – Death Tolls, Internet Blackouts & Brutal Crackdowns

04:50 – Kasra’s Background & Inside Access to the Regime

06:28 – Understanding the IRGC From the Inside

08:17 – Regime Threats on British Soil

11:10 – Why What Happens in Iran Affects the UK

12:15 – Why Britain Refuses to Proscribe the IRGC

15:30 – Iran’s Infrastructure of Radicalisation in Britain

18:14 – Indoctrination, Antisemitism & Islamist Ideology

20:38 – The Silence of the Western Left on Iran

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Kwasi reflects on his dramatic rise and fall in office, the chaos surrounding the mini-budget, and what it was really like to be at the centre of one of the most turbulent moments in modern British politics. He explains what went wrong, what he would do differently, and why he believes the political system struggles to tell the truth about economic trade-offs.

We also explore his life beyond frontline politics, from his media work to his interest in business and Bitcoin, as well as his background, education, and journey into Parliament. The conversation ranges across identity politics, meritocracy, the decline of public trust, and why Britain’s institutions feel increasingly disconnected from the people they serve.

Finally, we look at the current state of British politics. Kwasi gives his assessment of Labour’s economic direction, the rise of Reform, the breakdown of the two-party system, and what the next election could mean for the country’s future.

This is a thoughtful and revealing conversation about ambition, failure, loyalty, and the long-term challenges facing Britain as it once again finds itself on the brink.

Enjoy a 30-day free trial of The Brink’s Substack: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/newyeartrial

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/kwasi-kwarteng-id-do-a-better-job?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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00:00 – Introduction

03:11 – From Power to Private Life

06:08 – The Mini-Budget Fallout

08:44 – Labour, Tax Rises & Public Disillusion

12:06 – Britain’s Fractured Party System

14:50 – Family Background, Education & Identity

18:55 – Rejecting Identity Politics

23:56 – Entering Politics & Street-Level Campaigning

28:11 – Inside Parliament & Political Institutions

33:00 – Becoming a Minister

38:16 – Backing Liz Truss & Becoming Chancellor

40:31 – The Mini-Budget: Pace, Panic & Mistakes

44:46 – Markets, the Bank of England & What Went Wrong

48:16 – Deep State vs Political Responsibility

51:01 – Public Spending, Welfare & Growth

55:00 – Labour’s Economic Direction

58:43 – Immigration, Culture & Political Realignment

1:03:03 – Reform, Conservatives & the Future of the Right

1:06:59 – Loyalty, Power & Stopping the Left

1:07:18 – Final Reflections on Britain’s Political Future

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We revisit some of the standout interviews from the past twelve months, including conversations with Yoav Gallant, Yossi Cohen, Bari Weiss, Tom Holland, Neil Ferguson, and Nick Timothy. From Israeli intelligence and the war in Gaza to extremism in Britain, media failure, and the collapse of Western confidence, we discuss what these guests revealed about the moment we are living through.

The conversation ranges across the year’s biggest themes, including leadership, war, antisemitism, media bias, protest movements, and the growing instability in the Middle East and the West. We also give our picks for moments of the year, figures of the year, and the decisions that left us shaking our heads.

Finally, we look ahead to 2026. We discuss what gives us hope, what worries us most, and whether the West still has the moral and cultural foundations to recover from the crises it faces.

This is a wide ranging and honest reflection on a turbulent year, and a look at what may lie ahead as the world stands once again on the brink.

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Chapters

00:00 – Looking Back on 2025

04:28 – Israel, War Leadership & October 7

06:07 – Extremism in Britain & Political Failure

09:47 – Immigration, Social Media & Cultural Fragmentation

11:57 – Gaza Protests & Progressive Radicalism

15:06 – Media, Antisemitism & the Trust Crisis

19:43 – Sh*t of the Year

25:17 – Man of the Year

31:13 – Woman of the Year

36:06 – Moment of the Year

39:27 – WTF of the Year: Strategic Blunders

44:04 – Laughter in a Dark Year

45:23 – Hopes, Fears & the World Heading into 2026

52:28 – Final Reflections & What Comes Next

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Bernard explains why Ukraine and Israel are fighting the same battle against the same enemies, and why Russia, Iran, Hamas, and radical Islam belong to a single ideological axis. Drawing on years spent on the battlefield and reporting from war zones, he reflects on courage, sacrifice, and what it means for a nation to defend itself when its very existence is at stake.

The discussion turns to the West itself, its Judeo Christian foundations, the crisis of patriotism, and the loss of historical memory that has left many societies unwilling to defend their own values. We explore the rise of radical Islam, the failures of multiculturalism, the dangers of moral relativism, and why Jews are often the first victims when civilisations lose confidence in themselves.

Bernard also reflects on Donald Trump, the fragmentation of the West, and whether American and European values can survive the political turbulence of the coming years.

This is a profound and searching conversation about history, faith, war, and the moral courage required to defend civilisation before it is too late.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/trump-is-splitting-the-west-and-the?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

08:24 Trump's Support for Israel and Russia's Aggression

11:03 The West's Values and Trump's Impact

15:33 The Role of the West in Countering Radicalism

19:30 The West's Military Challenge and Israel's Resilience

25:04 The Struggle Against Radical Islam in France

38:23 The Role of Ideas and the Importance of Universal Values

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Anne walks us through explosive findings based on Hamas documents seized by the IDF, revealing how aid organisations were monitored, infiltrated, and manipulated through so called “guarantors.” We discuss how cash aid programmes were diverted, how humanitarian projects were shaped around Hamas’ military needs, and why many NGOs remained silent despite knowing what was happening on the ground.

The conversation also exposes the role of Western governments, including the UK, and the failure of oversight within institutions like the UN and major charities. We explore the “halo effect” that shields NGOs from scrutiny, the use of lawfare and libel threats to silence journalists, and how propaganda claims around famine and genocide have had real world consequences, from ICC warrants to the prolonging of the war itself.

This is a disturbing but essential conversation about aid, accountability, and how good intentions have been exploited by a terrorist organisation, with consequences that continue to shape the conflict today.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/p/revealed-how-british-and-european?r=63dafp

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:25 Anne Hertzberg's Background and NGO Monitor's Mission

06:14 Influence of NGOs and Media Bias

11:43 Hamas' Control over NGOs in Gaza

24:38 Hamas' Civil Service and Military Interaction

32:00 Cash-Based Programs and Diversion of Aid

37:04 Meetings with Hamas and NGO Officials

43:55 NGOs' Complicity and Long-Term Consequences

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Ed traces the movement’s origins from Hassan al-Banna and Sayyid Qutb through to modern-day Hamas, explaining how fascist ideas, humiliation after empire, and Western missteps helped shape today’s jihadist ideology. He reflects on his own journey out of radical politics, the role of mysticism and Sufi Islam in countering extremism, and why banning alone can’t solve the problem.

The conversation widens to Britain today, from Islamist influence in mosques and the dangers of an official “Islamophobia” definition, to the country’s own moral crisis, where secularism and self-doubt have left a vacuum easily filled by extremism. Together, we ask whether the West can rediscover confidence in its own values while helping a new generation of Muslims find peace within faith, not war against it.

This is one of our most far-reaching conversations yet about faith, identity, and how both Islam and the West might renew themselves.

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Drawing on decades inside Sky and the BBC, Colin and Danny explain how activism crept into journalism, how impartiality was replaced by ideology, and why both institutions now struggle with trust, bias, and credibility. From the BBC’s coverage of Israel and Gaza to Sky’s embrace of “woke” newsroom culture, they reveal the internal pressures and moral failures driving today’s media crisis.

The conversation explores how younger journalists have brought activist politics into the newsroom, the decline of objectivity, and the collapse of impartial standards once taken for granted. We also discuss the future of broadcasting. From the rise of GB News and independent media to the growing influence of social platforms and algorithms that shape what the public sees.

This is a rare, revealing, and deeply honest conversation about the state of British journalism and whether our media can ever win back the public’s trust.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/its-activism-masquerading-as-journalism?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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David explains why he argues that Putin’s invasion is not just about territory, but about rewriting the rules of the world order. From the fall of Bretton Woods to the decline of NATO, he lays out how the West’s complacency and moral fatigue have opened the door to a new era shaped by autocrats, propaganda, and drones.

We also discuss Trump’s shifting stance on Ukraine, his strange admiration for Putin, and how America’s right is fracturing between pro-Israel conservatives and a new populist movement flirting with antisemitism and authoritarianism. David warns that the internet has unleashed a “death of truth,” where social media rewards lies, conspiracy, and outrage over reality.

This is one of the most far-reaching episodes we’ve done. A discussion about war, technology, propaganda, and the collapse of old certainties as the world enters a dangerous new phase.

Watch the full uncut episode here: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/podcast

Chapters

0:00 Introduction

03:52 David's Personal Connection to Ukraine

05:37 Trump's Negotiation Tactics and Putin's War Aims

10:33 The Role of NATO and the UK in the Conflict

13:03 The Threat of Russia and the Need for Rearmament

21:32 The Diffusion of Power and the Impact of Technology

26:19 The Future of Ukraine and the Role of Europe

34:11 Trump's Relationship with Putin and the Impact on US Politics

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We talk about the decline of the Conservative Party, the rise of Reform UK, and whether uniting the right is possible or even desirable. Alan explains what drew him to Reform’s energy, its commitment to national renewal, and its determination to challenge political correctness, restore pride, and defend British values.

The conversation ranges from Reform’s economic vision and its stance on immigration, to foreign policy, Ukraine, and the threat of Islamism in Britain. Alan also addresses criticisms of the party, from questions about Nigel Farage’s leadership to concerns over internal controversies and its relationship with Israel and the Jewish community.

This is a wide-ranging and revealing discussion about politics, ideology, and the future of Britain’s right…

Watch the full interview here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/tory-defector-alan-mendoza-all-i?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:55 Core Beliefs and Political Values

07:06 Transition to the Reform Party

17:07 Reform Party's Potential and Challenges

30:13 Reform Party's Economic Policies and Growth

38:46 Reform Party's Stance on Islamism and Anti-Semitism

46:25 Reform Party's Support for Israel

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We begin with the recent Aston Villa controversy, where Israeli fans were banned from attending a match against Maccabi Tel Aviv. Nick explains what this decision reveals about fear, community breakdown, and the failures of policing. He argues that Islamist influence, weak institutions, and political timidity have allowed extremists to shape the public narrative, leaving both Muslim and Jewish Britons feeling abandoned.

The discussion explores the risks of introducing an official definition of Islamophobia, the growing reach of the Muslim Brotherhood in British life, and how misplaced tolerance has eroded freedom of speech and social unity. Nick calls for a renewed national mission that restores moral confidence, protects liberty, and confronts extremism without losing sight of Britain’s core values.

This is one of the most urgent and thought-provoking conversations yet on The Brink, offering a clear-eyed look at faith, fear, and the struggle to reclaim Britain’s identity.

Watch full interview here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/nick-timothy-mp-we-must-stop-the?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:45 Nick Timothy's Background and Aston Villa

04:54 The Aston Villa Incident and Police Response

09:15 Palestinian Flags and Extremist Narratives

14:02 Nick Timothy's Confrontation at Aston Villa

18:46 Public Order Offences and Free Speech

22:35 The Islamophobia Definition and Its Implications

28:53 The Muslim Brotherhood

34:29 The Role of State Institutions and the Future of British Society

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We discuss the truth about Cecil Rhodes and the “Rhodes Must Fall” movement, how history has been distorted for ideological ends, and why modern activists are waging war on Britain’s past. Biggar dismantles the myth that British prosperity was built on slavery, exposes the historical illiteracy behind the reparations movement, and reveals how the British Empire ultimately became a global force for abolition and liberal reform.

The conversation also explores the weaponisation of history — how critical race theory, guilt politics, and anti-Western ideology are eroding national pride and being exploited by hostile powers abroad. Biggar warns that this obsession with historical self-loathing is not about justice but about dismantling the moral confidence of the West.

This is a bold and intellectually rigorous defence of historical truth and a vital reminder of the moral complexity behind Britain’s story.

Watch the full conversation here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/slavery-empire-and-the-tyranny-of?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:49 Cecil Rhodes and the Rhodes Must Fall Campaign

12:48 Historical Context and Misrepresentation of Rhodes

14:24 The Role of Slavery in British Industrial Prosperity

24:21 Universality of Slavery and Comparative Cruelty

29:03 British Efforts to Suppress Slavery

34:25 The Nuanced View of the British Empire

40:24 Critical Race Theory and Historical Narratives

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Ferguson traces how Western elites, having abandoned Christianity and traditional values, opened the door to new forms of ideological extremism, from woke identity politics to anti-Israel movements shaped by Cultural Marxism. He explores the strange alliance between the radical Left and Islamists, the collapse of the political centre, and why both religion and national pride have become taboo.

The discussion moves from the classroom to the battlefield, examining the crisis of Europe’s defences, the threat of a post-NATO world, and Ferguson’s own conversion to Christianity as a moral and cultural necessity for the survival of the West.

A profound, provocative, and unflinchingly honest conversation on what’s gone wrong with Western civilisation and how it might yet be saved.

Watch the full conversation here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/sir-niall-ferguson-weve-torn-up-the?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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We explore how Christianity shaped the West’s ideas of compassion, morality, and universal values — and what happens when a society begins to forget those origins. Holland explains how the cultural revolutions of the 1960s mirror past religious upheavals, why our politics still carry a deeply Christian imprint, and how secularism has inherited both the virtues and contradictions of faith.

The discussion also turns to Islam, Judaism, and the tension between universalism and identity — from the invention of the medieval blood libel to modern antisemitism and jihadist ideology. Together, we ask whether the moral framework that built the West can survive without the religion that inspired it.

This is a wide-ranging and deeply reflective conversation about belief, history, and what remains sacred in a disenchanted age.

Watch the full conversation here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/a-civilisational-earthquake-tom-holland?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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We discuss how Britain’s institutions have become “deeply compromised,” why successive governments have failed to act on intelligence warnings, and the urgent need to ban organisations like the Muslim Brotherhood and IRGC. This conversation explains how economic interests, political cowardice, and cultural fear have left Britain open to infiltration from hostile powers and how this weakness is being exploited on the streets through protests, intimidation, and radicalisation.

We also examine the failures of policing, the role of the media, and the question of whether Britain still takes national security seriously.

This is a sobering and essential conversation about the threats facing modern Britain and what it will take to defend the country before it’s too late.

Watch the full conversation here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/we-are-deeply-compromised-security?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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Andrew and Jake unpack how a combination of local politics, police weakness, and community intimidation led to this decision — and what it says about the state of Britain’s values. We explore how Islamist pressure, media hypocrisy, and political cowardice have converged to create a climate where protecting Jewish fans has become controversial.

From the police’s failure to confront real threats, to the wider culture of capitulation spreading through British institutions, this rapid response asks: who really runs Britain’s cities — our elected government or the mob?

This discussion is from our Substack Rapid Response series.

👉 Access this rapid response in full here: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/banning-israeli-football-fans-a-new?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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We discuss the art of intelligence, emotional control under extreme pressure, and the secrets behind Mossad’s most daring operations — including the legendary “booby-trapped pages” that crippled Hezbollah. Cohen also reflects on Israel’s intelligence failures before October 7th, his criticism of the country’s leadership culture, and whether he could one day step into politics himself.

This is a rare and candid conversation on espionage, leadership, and the moral choices that define the defence of Israel.

Watch full episode here: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com/

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We discuss the emotional weight of their return, the moral clarity of this moment, and what it reveals about the divide between those who stand for life and those who justify terror. From the international reaction and Western media’s coverage to the political failures that allowed Hamas to endure, we explore what this means for Israel’s future and for the moral state of our own societies.

We also break down Donald Trump’s role in securing the deal, the geopolitical fallout with Qatar and Turkey, and what the next phase of this war could look like. This is a raw and timely Substack Rapid Response from The Brink.

👉 To access all of our rapid response breakdowns and watch them live, sign up to our Substack: https://thebrinkpodcast.co.uk

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Gallant reflects on the horror of October 7th, the necessity of military force to bring hostages home, and why he believes leaders must act with strength rather than politics. We explore his “bubble programme” for Gaza’s future governance, the double standards Israel faces in the international arena, and his personal story as the son of Holocaust survivors who has dedicated his life to the principle of “Never Again.”

We also discuss Britain’s role, the tension between values and interests, and what a long war with Hamas will mean for the Middle East and the West.

This is a rare and candid conversation with one of Israel’s most senior military and political figures about war, survival, and the hard lessons of leadership in a time of crisis.

Remember you can get the full interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.co.uk

Chapters

0:00 Introduction

1:07 General Gallant's Political Career and Military Experience

4:30 General Galant's Personal Story and Israel's Values

8:15 The Future of a Palestinian State

19:19 The Role of Military and Political Solutions

24:54 The Role of International Forces in Gaza

30:14 The Double Standard Against Israel

34:15 The Need for a Comprehensive Reconstruction Plan

36:52 The Importance of Military Strength and Political Will

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We break down the CST’s frontline role in protecting synagogues, to the toxic propaganda climate fuelling antisemitism, to Britain’s wider counter-terror failures. We dig into what this means for Jewish communities, national security, and the West’s future.

If you want access to all of our rapid response breakdowns, sign up to our Substack today and join us on The Brink.

Join here: https://www.thebrinkpodcast.co.uk/

Chapters 

⁠0:00⁠ Manchester Attack: Initial Reactions and Security Measures

⁠2:18⁠ Role and Training of the Community Security Trust (CST)

⁠5:00⁠ Police and Military Response to Terror Attacks 

⁠8:39⁠ Journalistic Perspective on Terror Attacks

⁠12:59⁠ Political and Social Implications of Terror Attacks

⁠15:42⁠ Impact of Propaganda and Social Media on Public Perception 

⁠25:51⁠ Jewish Community's Response to Increased Threats

⁠33:30⁠ Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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We look at why Trump put hostages first, how his plan contrasts with Europe’s approach, and why even countries like Qatar and Turkey are backing it. We also discuss the risks of Hamas playing for time, the possibility of infiltration after the war, and whether this plan could actually change the game.

👉 Head over to our Substack to watch the full episode of The Brink’s Rapid Response: thebrinkpodcast.co.uk

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Bari reflects on leaving The New York Times at the height of 2020’s cultural upheaval, why she founded The Free Press, and what it takes to build media that people can actually trust. We explore how disinformation spreads around Israel and Gaza, why groupthink dominates so many newsrooms, and whether legacy media is even reformable.

We also discuss the explosion of anti-Semitism after October 7th, the dangers of political extremes on both left and right, and why rebuilding confidence in Western values might be the most important project of our generation.

This is a wide-ranging conversation on truth, courage, and the fight to reclaim the centre ground in a polarised age.

Watch the full episode by going to thebrinkpodcast.co.uk

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

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

Hosted by Jake Wallis Simons and Andrew Fox, the podcast aims to cut through the noise to uncover the real implications, hidden angles, and the tough questions others won’t ask.

Some weeks it’s just us diving deep into the stories that matter most. Other weeks, we’re joined by leading voices in politics, culture, and current affairs—people who help us make sense of where the world is heading.

Join us for new episodes every Thursday on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you listen. The first episode will be released on 18th September 2025.

For exclusive content, ad-free listening, bonus conversations, and the chance to interact with us directly, sign up to our Substack: thebrinkpodcast.co.uk

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