The Times and Sunday Times are launching a major new podcast on the intricacies of geopolitics in an age of uncertainty.
The General and the Journalist will look at the reasons wars begin, the way they end, and the diplomacy, politics and human stories that unfold along the way.
Hosted by former Chief of the General Staff of the British Army, General Sir Patrick Sanders and award-winning journalist Tom Newton Dunn, they will provide a unique perspective on global conflict.
They look into the complexities of modern diplomacy, exploring the debates and agreements shaping current conflicts.
Each week they will focus on a different theme, country or conflict – Ukraine, Iran, Gaza, or Sudan. And they examine this against President Donald Trump’s ambitions, and the bigger historical picture.
The human story, consequences of war, and how best to prevent conflict will also feature as Patrick and Tom are joined by guests to discuss the politics, the diplomacy, the humanitarian issues and the military ones.
Sir Patrick Sanders said: “We’re at the end of an old epoch. The world order that gave us relative security for 80 years is collapsing, and we have no idea yet what will come next.
“What we do know already, sadly, is it will mean more conflict. We think there’s a growing hunger to understand our ever more polarised and dangerous world, and Tom and I are passionate about helping people do this.”
Tom Newton Dunn added: “We’ll talk about why wars start, and how they’re won or lost. With both current wars, and the threat of new ones, we’ll discuss what we should worry about and also worry less about: unpacking the difference between hot war and hot air.
“I’m hugely looking forward to doing a podcast with Patrick. We’ve been good friends for close to 20 years since we first met in Basra, (when we both even had a full head of hair).”
The first episode of The General and The Journalist will launch on Thursday 22 May wherever you get your podcasts and on The Times YouTube channel.
