The Red Line

Oct 24 2024 132 ep. 78 mins 3.6k

The Red Line Podcast artwork

Three experts, one Story. Each fortnight we host a panel of international experts diving into the biggest geopolitical stories shaping the news both here and overseas. Hosted by Michael Hilliard

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126 - Armenia’s Changing Relationship with Russia

Oct 24 2024 93 mins

The evolving relationship between Armenia and Russia has seen dramatic shifts in recent years, particularly in the wake of Armenia's devastating defeat in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. Once heavily reliant on Russian military support, Armenia now finds itself questioning the reliability of this partnership. As Russia grapples with its own military commitments in Ukraine and its sh

125 - The Economics of Conscription

Sep 17 2024 66 mins

Conscription is a complex and multifaceted issue, influencing not only a nation's defence capabilities but also its economy and political landscape. With countries as diverse as Denmark, to the DRC, from Taiwan to Tajikistan, and even Austria to Armenia, having all adopted conscription. However, as different as each of these nations are, each of them is now facing unique challenges

124 - The Rise of Chinese Private Security Companies (PSCs and PMCs)

Aug 26 2024 68 mins

Chinese private security companies (PSCs) are beginning to expand their influence in the global security market, with thousands of these companies now operating in over 40 countries. Despite legal restrictions preventing them from being armed, these firms are increasingly finding ways to circumvent such regulations. This raises critical questions: Will China leverage these companie

123 - What the Venezuelan Election Means for Essequibo

Jul 31 2024 84 mins

Venezuela has been thrust into chaos following the recent election, leaving President Maduro, the opposition, and the military cornered. Years of escalating tensions with Guyana over the Essequibo region have reached a critical point, risking both the strength of the Venezuelan military and the possibility of a broader regional conflict. This episode examines the buildup to potenti

122 - South Africa: Comeback or Collapse?

Jul 08 2024 90 mins

As the dust settles on what has turned out to be South Africa's most crucial election since 1994, the nation finds itself standing on a knife's edge. Persistent issues have continued to escalate, leaving the country more politically divided than ever before. Now, with an unexpected and unlikely political alliance at the helm, South Africa faces a deep period of uncertainty. Given t

121 - Rare Earth Elements: The Futile Fight Against China

Jun 17 2024 69 mins

As the world pivots towards a green energy future, the dominance of rare earth elements has never been more crucial. Yet, while the West has been preoccupied with other geopolitical challenges, China has quietly taken control of this vital industry. This episode delves into the strategic manoeuvres that allowed China to secure a near-monopoly on rare earth production and the conseq

The Armed Forces of Central Asia - Part 1 : Tajikistan and Regional Command Structures

May 17 2024 68 mins

In the inaugural episode of our new mini-series, we dive deep into the military landscape of Central Asia, starting with a spotlight on Tajikistan. This first episode uncovers the region's convoluted command structures and the unique challenges faced by the national armed forces operating here. Why does the Tajik army operate the way it does? What hidden factors influence their com

120 - The Forced Friendship: Russia's Uneasy Alliance with China

May 03 2024 67 mins

As economic sanctions continue to tighten their grip on Russia, the nation is forced to seek assistance from whoever it can, turning to China not out of mutual interest but as a necessity. Yet, this support comes at a steep price, heightening concerns in Moscow that it's inadvertently solidifying a new, skewed power dynamic. As China capitalizes on Russia's vulnerabilities, one has

119 - Indonesia's Defence Dilemma

Apr 15 2024 73 mins

As President Prabowo Subianto prepares to enter the presidency, the Indonesian military stands at a crucial juncture, navigating both traditional and emerging defence challenges. With Prabowo's extensive military background and his previous five years at the helm of the armed forces, this term is particularly poised to potentially reshape strategies around procurement, internationa

118 - Wargaming: San Marino vs. Italy

Mar 31 2024 17 mins

Tensions are on the rise between San Marino and Italy, revealing a potential crisis on the Italian Peninsula that many analysts are missing. This situation, seemingly minor, hints at deep-seated unrest that could destabilize the region. We delve into the nuances of this brewing conflict, urging a reevaluation of its possible impact on European stability. Through expert insights, we