Sounds Strategic

In this episode of Sounds Strategic, IISS experts reflect on the inaugural IISS Stockholm Civil Defence Forum and unpack the findings of the Strategic Dossier Civil Defence in Europe: An Initial Assessment. The discussion explores how European countries are adapting to emerging security threats, from protecting critical infrastructure and countering foreign information manipulation to financing civil defence and strengthening public preparedness. Drawing on lessons from Ukraine, the Nordic countries and wider Euro-Atlantic partners, the episode examines what a more coordinated and resilient approach to civil defence in Europe could look like.

In this episode of Sounds Strategic, IISS experts unpack the findings of the Strategic Dossier UAVs: ISR, Deterrence and War, exploring how uninhabited aerial vehicles are reshaping military operations in peace and conflict. From Europe’s long-running capability gaps to lessons from Ukraine and the Middle East, the discussion examines how UAVs are changing intelligence gathering, decision-making and the conduct of war.

Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Henry Boyd, Fenella McGerty, Ester Sabatino and Ruben Stewart to discuss the 2026 edition of The Military Balance. The Military Balance reveals a world of accelerating defence transformation. From Europe’s structural spending surge and procurement bottlenecks, to institutionalised drone warfare, Gulf industrial localisation and intensifying US-China competition, IISS experts unpack how shifting US policy and allied burden-sharing are reshaping global military dynamics.

Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Air Marshal (Retd) Martin 'Sammy' Sampson, Dr Hasan Alhasan, Wolf-Christian Paes and Asna Wajid to reflect on the IISS Manama Dialogue 2025, which took place in the Kingdom of Bahrain on 31 October–2 November 2025. Together they discuss how the Dialogue reflected shifting regional alignments, the implications of global power competition for Middle Eastern security, and new avenues for cooperation on defence, technology and economic stability. The conversation also examines how the Gulf’s strategic priorities are evolving in light of ongoing conflicts, energy transition pressures, and emerging great-power dynamics.We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.Date of Recording: 05 November 2025The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. 

Podcast host Meia Nouwens is joined by IISS experts Dr Ben Schreer, Fenella McGerty and Ester Sabatino to reflect on the 2nd IISS Prague Defence Summit, which was held on 3–5 September 2025. Meia, Ben, Fenella and Esther discuss the major takeaways from the Prague Defence Summit, including:Secretary General Mark Rutte’s call for stronger European defence production in the face of closer Russia–China cooperation;The sustainability of record-high defence spending and new ways to fund Europe’s security;How procurement reforms and EU initiatives are reshaping Europe’s defence industrial landscape;The growing role of Indo-Pacific and non-EU partners in strengthening European security.We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.Date of Recording: 10 September 2025The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS. 

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 ambitions for the Indo-Pacific; President Macron’s proposal for greater European-Asian engagement;Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim's call for shared purpose and cooperation in order to prevent further fracturing of the international order and support peace and stability; andhow the wider Indo-Pacific dynamics featured in this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue, such as the security priorities of Pacific Island states and the ongoing conflict in Myanmar.  We hope you enjoy the episode and please follow, rate and subscribe to Sounds Strategic on the podcast platform of your choice.               Date of Recording: 3 June 2025    The podcast is recorded and produced by the IISS.