The Brink

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Conservative MP and Shadow Justice Secretary Nick Timothy to examine the growing influence of Islamism in Britain and what he believes is a serious threat to the country's future.Nick reveals how he uncovered a controversy surrounding the government's new definition of anti-Muslim hostility, including allegations of secret consultations, withheld records and potential conflicts of interest. He explains why he believes the definition threatens free speech and could protect extremist organisations from scrutiny.The conversation also explores the Muslim Brotherhood's alleged influence over British institutions, Labour's relationship with Muslim voters and the controversy surrounding mass Muslim prayers in Trafalgar Square.They also debate multiculturalism, religious freedom, Britain's Christian heritage and whether the country can defend its liberal values while remaining a tolerant, pluralistic society.

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Chapters

00:00 Nick Timothy On The Growing Threat Of Islamism In Britain

02:38 The Islamophobia Definition Scandal

06:27 The Secret Government Consultation

09:15 The Missing Emails & Government Cover-Up Allegations

13:06 How Extremists Gain Influence Over British Institutions

15:00 Is Britain Introducing Blasphemy Laws By Stealth?

20:16 Why Labour Is Afraid To Confront Islamism

23:43 Is Britain Facing An Existential Crisis?

29:53 Muslim Prayer In Trafalgar Square & Religious Freedom

37:48 Christianity, British Identity & The Future Of Multiculturalism

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by broadcaster Mike Graham to discuss his controversial departure from Talk TV, the rise of independent media, and why he believes Britain’s political and media establishment has lost touch with ordinary people. Drawing on four decades in journalism, Mike reflects on the wild days of Fleet Street, the decline of traditional newspapers, and how political journalists have become increasingly cosy with those in power. The conversation also explores mass immigration, multiculturalism, free speech, and the growing public anger over Britain's changing identity. They also discuss the BBC's declining credibility, the rise of fake news and AI-generated misinformation, Reform UK, government surveillance, and whether independent media can restore the public's trust in journalism.

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Chapters

00:00 Mike Graham On Free Speech & Cancel Culture

02:36 The Truth Behind Mike Graham’s TalkTV Exit

05:09 Multiculturalism, Immigration & Britain’s Changing Identity

07:40 Why Britain Is Afraid Of Free Speech

10:07 From Fleet Street To Independent Media

13:29 How Mike Graham Got His Break At The Sun

18:38 The Wild West Of British Journalism

23:15 How Politicians & Journalists Became Too Close

28:30 Alastair Campbell & The Rise Of Media Manipulation

33:50 Social Media, The BBC & The Battle For Trust

40:27 Nigel Farage, Reform & Media Double Standards

46:47 Why Mike Graham Refuses To Vote

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by British Muslim activist and counter-extremism campaigner Fiyaz Mughal for a live discussion at the Battle of Ideas in London about the growing threat of Islamism in Britain. Drawing on over two decades of experience tackling extremism, Fiyaz warns that the Muslim Brotherhood and radical Islamist ideologies have gained influence within British Muslim communities, while successive governments have failed to confront the problem.

The conversation explores rising antisemitism after October 7th, the influence of Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and why Fiyaz believes political leaders are allowing extremists to silence moderate Muslim voices. They also discuss integration, free speech, and whether Britain can confront Islamist extremism before another major terrorist attack.

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Chapters

00:00 The Growing Threat Of Islamism In Britain

02:27 The Diversity Of British Muslim Communities

06:43 Who Really Speaks For British Muslims?

09:08 Anti-Semitism, Hamas & Extremism After October 7th

15:18 How The Muslim Brotherhood Gained Influence In Britain

20:50 The Muslim Brotherhood’s Ideology & Ambitions

29:00 How Saudi Arabia Exported Salafism

36:55 Why British Islam Has A Leadership Vacuum

42:40 Why More British Muslims Aren’t Speaking Out 4

9:49 Can Britain Defeat Islamist Extremism?

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by former British diplomat Ameer Kotecha, who resigned from the Foreign Office after becoming disillusioned with Britain's foreign policy. Drawing on his experience at the British Embassy in Tel Aviv, Ameer reveals why he believes Labour has squandered Britain's influence in Israel, damaged vital intelligence relationships and put domestic political interests ahead of national security. The conversation also exposes what Ameer describes as a culture of DEI and virtue signalling within the Foreign Office, and asks whether Britain's diplomatic establishment has lost sight of its most important duty: serving the national interest.

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Chapters

00:00 How Britain Turned Its Back On Israel

02:39 Inside The British Embassy In Tel Aviv

06:10 How Britain Squandered Its Influence In Israel

10:28 The Diplomatic Fallout Of Sanctioning Israel

17:58 Who Is Really To Blame For Britain’s Israel Policy?

21:19 Is Labour’s Israel Policy Driven By Votes?

26:28 Inside Britain’s Decision To Recognise Palestine

34:02 Is Britain Putting Its National Security At Risk?

38:02 Why The Foreign Office Has Lost Its Way

42:52 DEI, Whitehall & The Crisis In British Diplomacy

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by veteran broadcaster Colin Brazier to explore Britain's demographic crisis, declining birth rates and whether the country is losing its sense of national identity. Colin argues that mass immigration, shrinking families and the decline of Christianity are fundamentally transforming British society, often without public consent. Drawing on his upbringing in Bradford, he examines the consequences for social cohesion, national identity and future generations. The conversation also explores the crisis facing the Church of England, why Israel is bucking the West's demographic decline, and whether Britain can rediscover the values of faith, family and community before it's too late.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:22 The Demographic Change Nobody Wants To Discuss

04:51 Why Are Birth Rates Collapsing?

08:28 The Hidden Cost Of Having Fewer Children

10:05 Immigration, Race & Britain’s Changing Population

17:15 Does It Matter If White Britons Become A Minority?

25:18 Bradford, Immigration & The Breakdown Of Communities

31:33 Is Britain Abandoning Its Christian Heritage?

39:52 Why Religion Needs Tradition & Authenticity

43:30 What Israel Can Teach Britain About Birth Rates

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Israeli journalist and political analyst Nadav Eyal to explore what could be Israel’s most consequential election in a generation, and whether Benjamin Netanyahu’s time in power is finally coming to an end. Nadav breaks down the battle between Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot, the growing influence of Israel’s far right, and why Arab parties could hold the key to the next government. The conversation also examines the political fallout from October 7, conspiracy theories dividing Israeli society, the ultra-Orthodox military conscription debate, and why even an electoral defeat for Netanyahu might not be enough to remove him from power.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:52 What’s Really At Stake for Israel?

06:57 October 7th, Netanyahu & The Conspiracy Theories

14:30 Can Israel Repair Its Global Reputation?

21:11 How Israel’s Electoral System Works

25:19 Netanyahu, Eisenkot & The Three Political Blocs

30:14 Why Arab Parties Could Decide the Election

33:26 The Rise of Israel’s Far Right

39:03 Mansour Abbas & The Future of Arab Politics

47:18 The Ultra-Orthodox, Conscription & Netanyahu’s Path to Victory

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In this episode of The Brink, Jake is joined by historian Lord Andrew Roberts to ask what history can teach us about leadership in an increasingly dangerous world. Drawing on his new book Napoleon and His Marshals, Andrew explores how Napoleon inspired extraordinary loyalty, built a military elite around him and ultimately created rivalries that helped undermine his empire. The conversation moves from Napoleon and Churchill to Thatcher, Reagan and Trump, as Andrew examines the crisis of leadership in the West and the parallels he sees with the 1930s. They also discuss antisemitism in Britain, the rewriting of history, Holocaust denial and why understanding the past matters more than ever.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:46 Are We Living Through The 1930s Again?

04:52 Anti-Semitism, Britain & The Green Party

08:44 The West’s Crisis Of Leadership

12:55 Is Britain Prepared For War?

18:51 Napoleon & His Extraordinary Marshals

22:27 How Napoleon Inspired Loyalty & Rivalry

27:52 How Napoleon’s Leadership Began To Unravel

32:10 Waterloo & The Fall Of Napoleon

39:48 Churchill, Thatcher & Trump: Lessons In Leadership

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In this episode of The Brink, Shawn Eni, the man behind the viral Mossad parody account, joins us to reflect on October 7 and the information war that has followed. Shawn explains how humour became a weapon against antisemitism and anti-Israel conspiracy theories, why he believes Israel is losing the battle for the next generation, and what the West still fails to understand about the online war surrounding Gaza. He also reveals what happened when the real Mossad finally got in touch…

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Chapters

00:00 The Man Behind The Fake Mossad

03:17 Remembering October 7th

10:35 Finding Humour After October 7th

13:39 How The Fake Mossad Account Began

17:01 When Reality Became Harder To Satirise

19:12 Israel’s Online Information War

23:00 Is Israel Losing The Next Generation?

25:07 Can Humour Change The Narrative?

32:40 Why Israel Struggled With Online Messaging

39:29 Israel, The West & The Jewish Diaspora

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by former US Marine Lucas Gage to tell the extraordinary story of how he descended into white nationalism and antisemitism, and how he eventually found his way out. Lucas traces his radicalisation from serving in Iraq after 9/11 to conspiracy theories, Mein Kampf and years spent building a huge online following through increasingly extreme rhetoric. He reflects on the damage he caused, the role of social media in fuelling his anger and how his views began to affect his family and personal life. The conversation explores what finally broke his worldview, why he now rejects the conspiracy theories he once promoted and the responsibility he feels to undo some of the damage he caused. They also discuss 9/11 conspiracies, online propaganda, Nick Fuentes and what Lucas believes his experience can teach us about pulling people back from political extremism.

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake react to the Labour Party conference and what it reveals about the direction of the government. They discuss Labour’s increasingly hostile approach to Israel, Ed Miliband’s sanctions policy, Shabana Mahmood’s immigration plans and the potential consequences for Britain’s national security. The conversation also turns to defence, political extremism and whether Britain’s political class is putting party interests ahead of the country.

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Chapters

00:00 Labour’s Middle East Problem

02:52 Starmer, Palestine & The Labour Left

05:45 Labour Friends Of Israel vs Palestine

06:11 Is Labour Risking Britain’s National Security?

09:59 Miliband’s Message To Pro-Palestine Activists

14:30 Qatar & Labour’s Double Standards

15:47 Are Sanctions The Start Of A Financial War On Israel?

21:44 Shabana Mahmood’s New Migration Policy

27:41 Is There A Better Way To Handle Asylum?

30:58 Angela Rayner, Protest & Political Double Standards

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In this episode of The Brink, Jake is joined by Middle East security expert Michael Knights to explore how the Houthis have grown from a ragtag Yemeni militia into one of Iran’s most heavily armed regional partners. Drawing on his firsthand experience in Yemen, Michael describes the Houthis’ treatment of civilians, their military tactics and the Iranian support behind their rise. The conversation also examines the latest Houthi offensive, the threat to global shipping and Saudi oil infrastructure, and why Michael believes Europe could increasingly find itself in their sights.

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Chapters

00:00 Inside The War Against The Houthis

02:31 From Hezbollah Sympathiser To Houthi Expert

07:20 Why The Houthis Are More Than Underdogs

09:36 The Houthis, Iran & Ethnic Supremacy

12:42 Booby-Trapped Schools, Wells & Homes

14:40 How The Houthis Control Yemen Through Hunger

17:01 What It’s Like To Fight The Houthis

22:04 Who Are The Houthis & Where Did They Come From?

30:00 How The Houthis Learned From Hezbollah

35:33 The Houthis’ Missiles, Money & Iranian Backing

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Loay Alshareef to discuss radical Islam, antisemitism, and why he believes the West has failed to understand the threat posed by the Muslim Brotherhood. Drawing on his own journey from radicalism to becoming an outspoken Muslim supporter of Israel, Loay explains why he believes Islam and Zionism are compatible, and why more Muslims must speak out against extremism. The conversation also explores the war with Iran, the future of the Abraham Accords, and why Loay remains optimistic about peace between Israel and the Arab world, while warning against the growing hostility towards Muslims within parts of the pro-Israel movement. Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/

Chapters

00:00 A Muslim’s Warning To Britain

02:17 The “Zionist Brotherhood” & British Extremism

05:20 The Muslim Brotherhood’s Caliphate Ambitions

09:00 What Britain Tolerates That The Gulf Won’t

11:08 Why Loay Calls Himself A Zionist

14:30 What The Quran Really Says About Jews

19:08 Why More Muslims Aren’t Speaking Out

23:47 Sunni Extremism, Iran & The IRGC

27:00 Why Loay Feels Less Safe In Britain

29:54 Iran, Israel & The Future Of The Middle East

38:11 Why Arab Leaders Struggle To Make Peace

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by historian Roger Moorhouse to ask what became of fascism after the Second World War, and whether its influence can still be seen in politics today.

From Nazi influence in the Arab world and the rise of Islamism to Putin’s Russia and Donald Trump’s America, Roger explores which elements of fascism have survived and why the label itself may now be doing more harm than good.

The conversation also turns to the populist right, political extremism and the attempts from both left and right to rewrite the legacy of Winston Churchill and the Second World War.

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Chapters

00:00 What Is Fascism?

02:26 How Fascism Became a Political Insult

06:10 Racism, Antisemitism & Nazi Germany

10:05 Humiliation: The Fuel of Fascism

16:08 Fascism’s Influence on the Arab World

20:51 Hitler, Al-Husseini & Political Islam

28:02 Is Putin’s Russia Becoming Fascist?

30:20 Trump & the Fascism Question

40:36 Erdoğan & the Problem with the “Fascist” Label

44:55 What Fascism Can Teach Us Today

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Izabella Tabarovsky to explore how some of today’s most powerful accusations against Israel have their roots in Soviet propaganda.

Izabella traces claims of genocide, apartheid, and “Zionism is racism” back to Soviet campaigns designed to portray Israel as racist, colonialist, and even Nazi. She explains how these ideas spread through academia, the UN, and the global left, surviving long after the Soviet Union itself collapsed.

The conversation also examines the growing overlap between the far left and far right, and why the same conspiracy theories about Israel and Jewish power are increasingly appearing across both political extremes.

A fascinating discussion about Soviet propaganda, antisemitism, and why the ideas of the Cold War are still shaping the debate around Israel today.

Chapters

00:00 How Soviet Propaganda Targeted Israel

02:02 Where the “Genocide” Accusation Began

07:01 Why Stalin Turned Against Israel

12:12 How the Soviets Reinvented Anti-Semitism

16:51 The Far Right Roots of Soviet Anti-Zionism

22:39 Mahmoud Abbas & Soviet Propaganda

28:00 Where “Zionism Is Racism” Came From

33:41 How Soviet Propaganda Survived the USSR

36:48 Durban, 9/11 & the New Anti-Zionism

40:55 How the Far Right Adopted the Same Playbook

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In this episode of View from the Brink, Jake Wallis Simons reflects on the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and asks how the West has become increasingly confused about the difference between its friends and its enemies.

Jake traces the consequences of September 11th through Afghanistan, Iraq, and the rise of jihadism, arguing that while the West fought Islamist extremism abroad, its propagandists became increasingly effective at exploiting Western institutions, social media, and the progressive left.

Turning to October 7th and Israel, Jake argues that the response to the Hamas attacks exposed the scale of this information war, with misinformation spreading rapidly while sympathy for Israel collapsed.

Twenty-five years after 9/11, Jake argues that the West must recover the confidence to recognise its enemies, defend its allies, and resist the propaganda designed to turn it against itself.

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew is joined by political commentator Dan Hodges for a wide-ranging conversation about Labour’s sanctions against Israel, the growing crisis inside Reform UK and why he believes Nigel Farage’s grip on the party may be approaching its end.

Hodges begins by examining the political calculation behind Andy Burnham’s approach to Israel. He argues that Labour is attempting to shore up its left flank against the Greens and pro-Palestinian challengers, and explains how pressure from activists, backbenchers and senior cabinet figures previously pushed Keir Starmer towards recognising a Palestinian state.

The conversation then turns to Reform and the fallout from the protests in Dover and Portsmouth. Hodges argues that the emergence of Rupert Lowe and Restore has dragged Reform away from its strategy of professionalisation and towards an increasingly populist battle for its own base, while figures including Zia Yusuf and Robert Jenrick position themselves for what could eventually become a leadership contest.

Hodges also discusses the mounting scrutiny of Reform’s finances and Nigel Farage’s response to it. He argues that attempts to portray journalists and parliamentary investigations as part of an establishment conspiracy resemble the playbooks of both Donald Trump and Jeremy Corbyn, and warns that Reform’s once formidable political “force field” is beginning to break down.

Finally, Hodges makes a striking prediction: Reform may have a future, but Nigel Farage may not have one at its head. With Farage increasingly divisive among the wider electorate, he assesses the potential successors and explains why a future leadership contest could ultimately come down to Zia Yusuf and Robert Jenrick.

Chapters

00:00 Introductions

02:19 The Politics Behind Miliband’s Israel Sanctions

07:26 Andy Burnham’s Political Strategy

13:42 Why Israel Is Losing The Propaganda War

19:56 The Dover Protests & Reform’s Response

22:23 Has Rupert Lowe Got Inside Farage’s Head?

25:08 Farage, Reform & The Populist Playbook

31:02 Why Dan Hodges Is Targeting Reform

38:34 What’s Really Going On With Reform’s Finances?

42:45 Can Farage Copy Trump’s Playbook?

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Lord Daniel Finkelstein for a wide-ranging conversation about the rise of populism, the far right, and the growing threat of political extremism across Britain, Europe, and the United States.

Drawing on his own family's experience of Nazism and Stalinism, Finkelstein reflects on his confrontation with Nick Fuentes and the extraordinary antisemitic abuse that followed. He examines Tucker Carlson's role in bringing once-fringe ideas towards the mainstream, and why attacks on the historical understanding of the Second World War and the Holocaust have become increasingly important to parts of the American right.

Turning to Europe, the conversation explores the dramatic rise of Germany's AfD and the role immigration has played in fuelling populist politics. Finkelstein argues that mass migration was a serious political mistake and that governments must regain control, while warning that demonising people who are already British citizens risks making integration harder and pushing politics towards ethno-nationalism.

The discussion also turns to Reform UK, Restore, and the battle over the future of the British right. Finkelstein explains why he believes Nigel Farage has historically drawn an important line against the far right, criticises Matt Goodwin's rhetoric on migrants, and delivers a damning assessment of Robert Jenrick's defence of Reform activists after violence at the party's conference.

Finally, they examine the growing tolerance of political violence on both the left and right, the appeal of Vladimir Putin to populist movements, and whether Britain's frustration with immigration, bureaucracy, and political institutions could drive the country further towards the extremes.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:46 Confronting Nick Fuentes

07:44 Tucker Carlson & The New Right

15:51 The Rise Of Europe’s Populist Right

21:15 The Failure Of Mass Immigration

24:39 Matt Goodwin’s “Goat Herders” Comments

27:00 Immigration, Protest & Vigilantism

33:03 AfD, Reform & The Far Right

36:22 Farage, Reform & Ethno-Nationalism

39:29 Robert Jenrick & Political Violence

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew is joined by David Draiman, frontman of Disturbed, for a deeply personal conversation about October 7th, antisemitism, Israel and why he has refused to remain silent despite the potential cost to his career.

Drawing on his own experiences of antisemitism and his family's history, from grandparents who survived Auschwitz and Dachau to relatives who served in the IDF, Draiman explains why defending the Jewish people has always been central to his identity. He reflects on how October 7th transformed that fight and why the reaction that followed left him deeply concerned about the future of Jews in the West.

Draiman also addresses one of the most controversial moments of his activism: writing “F*ck Hamas" on an Israeli artillery shell. He explains why he has no regrets, while also speaking candidly about Palestinian suffering, his hopes for coexistence, and his belief that Israelis and Palestinians ultimately deserve a future beyond perpetual war.

Finally, Draiman reflects on the power of music after Disturbed's Hold On to Memories was played at the funeral of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, and on his friendship with Yarden Bibas. He explains why, whatever the professional consequences of speaking out, being able to act according to his conscience matters more than becoming "the next Metallica."

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Chapter

00:00 David Draiman On Speaking Up

02:58 Why October 7th Changed Everything

05:56 Growing Up With Anti-Semitism

09:27 How Jewish Identity Shaped Disturbed

16:16 Jews, Division & Survival

19:43 Hollywood, Music & Israel

25:49 Israel, Gaza & Legitimate Criticism

33:15 Fighting Back Against Anti-Israel Narratives

34:57 Why Celebrities Won’t Debate Him

40:57 “I Wrote F*** Hamas”

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In this episode of View from The Brink, Andrew Fox examines a growing crisis inside the Pentagon, asking whether Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s drive for loyalty and ideological control is beginning to undermine the military effectiveness of the United States.

Andrew examines Hegseth’s transformation of the Pentagon itself, from the removal of senior military leaders and interventions in promotion decisions to restrictions on the traditional press and the undisclosed government roles given to sympathetic online influencers. Andrew asks whether a culture intended to restore discipline and merit is instead making military officers increasingly reluctant to deliver unwelcome advice.

Finally, Andrew makes the case that the readiness leak should be understood as a warning about the health of civilian-military relations. If senior officers believe professional objections are being ignored or punished, he argues, the greatest danger is not disobedience but a Pentagon in which uncomfortable truths can no longer travel safely upwards…

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In this episode of The Brink, Jake is joined by Hussain Abdul-Hussain, author of The Arab Case for Israel, for a fascinating conversation about Israel, the Arab world, and why he believes peace requires a fundamental change in the way the Middle East thinks about politics, identity, and prosperity.

Growing up between Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and Hezbollah-dominated Baalbek, Hussain absorbed the politics of Arab nationalism, sectarianism, and hostility towards Israel. He explains how moving to Beirut, encountering different religious communities, and eventually teaching himself Hebrew by listening to Israeli radio transformed his understanding of the Jewish state.

Hussain argues that much of the Arab world has prioritised land, honour, and historical grievance over economic prosperity and individual liberty. Drawing on the UAE and the Abraham Accords, he makes the case for a different model: abandoning permanent conflict with Israel, raising living standards, and allowing political reform to emerge gradually rather than through revolution.

The conversation also explores the decline of Christian and Jewish minorities across the Middle East, Hezbollah’s grip on Lebanon, the prospects for Arab-Israeli normalisation, and why Hussain believes many ordinary Arabs may be considerably more open to peace than their governments and political movements suggest.

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Chapters

00:00 From Hezbollah Sympathiser To Supporting Israel

02:43 The Arab Case For Israel

04:17 Why Hussein Changed His Mind

09:13 Prosperity, Palestine & National Pride

21:46 Minorities In The Muslim World

28:33 Growing Up Around Hezbollah

35:53 How Beirut Changed Everything

38:01 Discovering The Real Israel

42:52 Why Hussein Broke With The Left

47:15 Can The Arab World Really Change?

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by bestselling historian and author Simon Sebag Montefiore for a sweeping conversation about the history of the Middle East and his new book, The Cauldron: The Making of the Modern Middle East.

Sebag challenges many of the assumptions shaping today's debates about Israel, Islam, and the wider region. He explains why Islam cannot be treated as a single political or religious force, why Israel is in many ways more typical of Middle Eastern history than Western audiences realise, and how Zionism fits into a much longer history of Jewish attachment to the Holy Land.

The conversation also examines what Sebag describes as the West's almost religious commitment to the two-state solution, despite the realities on the ground. From the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the creation of modern nation-states to Turkey, Iran, and the decline of Christianity across the region, he explores how history continues to shape today's conflicts.

Finally, we look at America's changing role in the Middle East and the emergence of a new geopolitical order in which conflicts from Ukraine and the Caucasus to the Horn of Africa are increasingly interconnected.

Chapters

00:00 The Two-State Solution Has Become A Religion

02:28 Simon Sebag Montefiore On The Brink

07:25 The Truth About Islam

13:37 Israel’s Crisis From Within

18:50 Will Israel Survive Its Divisions?

24:15 The Real History Of Zionism

30:44 Why The Two-State Solution Keeps Failing

32:12 The West’s Contradiction On Nationalism

35:36 Does The Middle East Need America?

45:37 Why Israel Isn’t Historically Exceptional

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In this episode of The Brink, Jake is joined by author and activist Ayaan Hirsi Ali for a wide-ranging conversation about Islam, antisemitism, Israel, and what she sees as a crisis of confidence across Western civilisation.

Drawing on her own journey from growing up as a Muslim to leaving Islam and more recently converting to Christianity, Ayaan reflects on her changing relationship with Jews and Israel. She argues that the West has misunderstood the ideological challenge posed by Islamism and discusses whether meaningful reform within Islam is possible.

The conversation explores the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, the growth of Islamist movements in Europe and America, and why Ayaan believes Western freedoms have been exploited by organisations seeking to undermine liberal societies. She also sets out the five forces she believes are driving modern antisemitism, from immigration and the internet to the wider political realignment taking place across the West.

Finally, Jake and Ayaan discuss Christianity, the decline of religious confidence in Europe, and why she believes the West must rediscover its Judeo-Christian foundations. Drawing on her recent return to Israel, Ayaan argues that the country's sense of identity and purpose offers lessons for Western societies struggling with their own cultural uncertainty.

A conversation about Islam, Israel, Christianity, antisemitism, and whether the West can rediscover the confidence to defend its own civilisation.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:52 Growing Up With Hatred of Jews

06:13 Is “Radical Islam” Really Radical?

08:57 Muslims, Islam & the Problem of Doctrine

16:53 Can Islam Be Reformed?

17:00 The Origins of Modern Islamism

20:24 Where Modern Antisemitism Comes From

25:00 Moderate Islam & the Muslim World

28:42 The Muslim Brotherhood in the West

33:52 The Five Causes of Modern Antisemitism

38:41 Islamophobia & Silencing Criticism of Islamism

44:58 How the West Lost Confidence in Itself

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In this episode of View from The Brink, Jake tackles one of the most difficult issues facing Britain today: illegal migration, border control, and the growing public anger over the way the system is being managed.

Jake examines the scale and cost of small boat crossings, as well as a series of serious criminal and terrorist cases that have intensified concerns about Britain's asylum and immigration system. He argues that legitimate worries about security, integration, and rapid demographic change can no longer simply be dismissed or ignored.

But the episode also turns to the response emerging on parts of the political right. Jake warns that ethno-nationalism and the idea that Britishness should be determined by race or ancestry offer a dangerous alternative to the failures of the political establishment.

Instead, he makes the case for a tougher but fundamentally British approach: secure borders, effective enforcement, the removal of those with no right to remain, and a system rooted in the rule of law rather than race or religion.

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by journalist and commentator Allister Heath for a conversation about the battle for the future of the British right, the rise of Restore, and why he believes conservatism risks being consumed by a new form of ethno-nationalism.

Following his explosive intervention against Rupert Lowe and Restore, Heath explains why he felt compelled to draw a line against racial politics and antisemitism. They discuss Reform, Restore, immigration and integration, and why legitimate anger over Britain's failures must not become a politics based on ancestry or racial purity.

The conversation also looks at the influence of America on British politics, from Donald Trump and Elon Musk to Tucker Carlson and the online right, as well as the collapse of the traditional centre-right and the failure to offer a convincing economic alternative.

Finally, they discuss Israel, the rise of anti Zionism, Britain's wider crisis of confidence and what it actually means to be British in a multiracial and multifaith country.

A timely conversation about the crisis of the right, the dangers of political extremism and whether conservatism can find a way forward without losing the values it is supposed to defend.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

02:51 The Battle Between Restore, Reform & the Conservatives

08:02 The Far Right, Far Left & Antisemitism

12:12 How Online Politics Is Changing the British Right

16:54 The Fallout From Alistair’s Restore Column

18:51 Why the Conservative Party Failed

24:26 Why Britain’s Political Establishment Is Failing

27:21 Which Part of the Far Right Is Most Dangerous?

33:00 Can Extremism Be Removed From the Right?

36:47 Trump, Elon Musk & the Changing Right

38:27 What Comes After Trump?

41:24 Why Alistair Is Pessimistic About the West

42:04 America’s Institutional & Military Crisis

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake sit down for a conversation about British identity, immigration, and the growing battle over the future of the political right. The discussion examines the rise of ethno-nationalism and the rhetoric surrounding Rupert Lowe and Restore, asking where legitimate concerns about mass immigration and integration end and racial politics begin. Andrew and Jake explore what it actually means to be British and why identity cannot simply be reduced to ancestry, race, or religion.

They also turn to Islam in Britain, arguing that serious concerns around extremism, integration, and political Islam need to be confronted without treating millions of Muslims as a single hostile group. From British Muslims who have served in the armed forces to communities struggling with integration, they consider how Britain can defend its culture while avoiding the politics of collective blame.

Finally, the conversation looks at the influence of social media, populism, and foreign actors in pushing politics towards the extremes, and why simplistic solutions to Britain's problems risk destroying the very values they claim to protect.

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Chapters

00:00 What Does It Mean To Be British?

03:35 The Battle Over British Identity

07:20 Who Really Counts As British?

09:35 Mass Immigration & National Identity

12:43 The Rise Of Ethno-Nationalism

15:45 What Makes Someone British?

20:22 The Problem With Populism

23:12 Britain’s Failure To Integrate

25:20 Race, Faith & Britishness

35:15 Is Islam Compatible With Britain?

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew is joined by historian Lawrence Goldman, former Oxford professor and Executive Editor of History Reclaimed, for a wide-ranging conversation on the crisis facing universities, the rewriting of British history, and the growing influence of ideology in academia.

Drawing on more than four decades at Oxford, Goldman explains how the study of history has shifted away from archival research and evidence towards theory, ideology, and present-day moral judgments. He argues that today's students are increasingly taught to interpret the past through modern political frameworks, rather than understanding historical events on their own terms.

The conversation also explores the rise of anti-Semitism on university campuses, the relationship between anti-Zionism and academic culture, and why Goldman believes many institutions have failed to defend free inquiry and intellectual diversity. We discuss the expansion of higher education, the internationalisation of universities, and the growing disconnect between academia and wider society.

Finally, Andrew and Lawrence examine what it would take to restore trust in higher education. From academic freedom and leadership to educational standards and the purpose of universities themselves, they ask whether Britain's institutions can return to the pursuit of truth over ideology.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

05:19 The Rise Of Ideology In Universities

11:25 When Did It Start?

14:57 Why Academia Changed

17:45 Is Diversity Of Thought Disappearing?

19:24 The Cost Of Speaking Out

23:00 Why History Reclaimed Was Created

26:03 Does Oxford Have An Antisemitism Problem?

35:46 Why Antisemitism Is Getting Worse

39:19 Foreign Influence In British Universities

42:56 Has Academia Lost Its Purpose?

45:39 Are Universities Producing Better Students?

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In this solo episode of The Brink, Andrew Fox examines the extraordinary events unfolding in Ceuta, where tens of thousands of migrants crossed into Spanish territory in just 24 hours. But was this really an invasion of Europe, or something far more calculated?

Andrew breaks down the competing explanations behind the crisis, from social media-driven mobilisation and organised criminal smuggling networks to the possibility of state-backed coercion. He explores Morocco's long history of using migration as political leverage, the strategic importance of Western Sahara, and why the timing of the crisis has raised serious questions about Rabat's intentions.

The episode also examines Russia's growing influence across North Africa and the Sahel, including its links to Libya, the Wagner Group, human trafficking networks, and the weaponisation of migration as a geopolitical tool. Andrew explains what the evidence does and does not show, separating established facts from speculation while asking whether Moscow stands to benefit from Europe's latest border crisis.

Finally, Andrew explores what happens next. How does Spain process tens of thousands of arrivals? Can they freely move across Europe? And why might the political impact of the images prove even more significant than the number of people who crossed the border?

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by former United States Army Special Forces officer Mike Nelson for an in-depth assessment of the war with Iran, the strategic dilemmas facing the Trump administration, and whether the United States entered the conflict without a clear plan for success.

Drawing on his military experience and time working on strategy at US Central Command, Mike explains how Washington approached the conflict, why he believes the military presented viable options to political leaders, and where he thinks critical decisions were driven by unrealistic assumptions rather than coherent long-term strategy.

The discussion examines the Strait of Hormuz, Kharg Island, Pickaxe Mountain, and the enormous military and political risks associated with any attempt at regime change or ground operations inside Iran.

The conversation also explores the growing politicisation of the US military, the changing relationship between civilian leaders and senior commanders, and what these developments could mean for America's armed forces in future conflicts. Mike reflects on how loyalty, military professionalism, and strategic planning are being reshaped under the current administration.

Finally, we examine the future of the transatlantic alliance, America's relationship with Europe and Israel, the rise of isolationism within the Republican Party, and why Mike believes the West faces a critical test of both leadership and strategic resolve in the years ahead.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:23 Trump's Strategy On Iran

11:10 Is The US Military Becoming Politicised?

17:21 Did America Have A Plan?

25:30 The Military Options Against Iran

35:37 Why The West Keeps Winning Battles But Losing Wars

39:57 Why Iran Is So Difficult To Defeat

43:50 Has America Abandoned Its Allies?

49:36 Can America Recover After Trump?

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In this solo episode of The Brink, Jake reflects on the political earthquake following Andy Burnham's rise to the premiership, asking what it means for Britain, the West, and the future of conservatism.

Jake argues that Burnham's vision represents a return to the failed ideas of the 1970s, contrasting Britain's economic decline before Margaret Thatcher with the challenges facing the country today. He explores the growing pressures on the economy, the erosion of national confidence, declining defence capabilities, and why he believes Britain has lost the sense of purpose that once defined it.

The conversation also examines what Jake describes as "centrist fundamentalism" and how it has reshaped politics, education, the media, and public debate over the past three decades. He argues that this has created the conditions for the rise of both progressive activism and populist movements, while leaving many ordinary voters feeling politically homeless.

Jake also discusses anti-Semitism, the cultural impact of October 7th, the changing relationship between Britain and Israel, and why he believes the way a society treats its Jewish community is a measure of its broader health.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

04:45 Thatcher, The 1970s & Britain's Decline

10:23 Britain, Israel & National Resolve

15:48 Britain's Defence & Economic Crisis

19:02 What Is Centrist Fundamentalism?

26:34 How Britain Lost Confidence In Itself

32:03 The Rise Of The New Radicalism

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Israeli author and former Knesset member Einat Wilf for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of Israel, the ideology driving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the country's political future after Benjamin Netanyahu.

Wilf argues that the conflict has never fundamentally been about settlements, borders, or occupation, but about the refusal to accept the existence of a sovereign Jewish state. She explains why the events of October 7th reinforced this belief, examines the role of UNRWA and the so-called "right of return", and discusses whether genuine peace is possible without a fundamental shift in Palestinian political culture.

The conversation also explores Israel's rapidly changing political landscape ahead of the next election. We discuss Benjamin Netanyahu's legacy, the candidates hoping to replace him, the growing debate over military service and the ultra-Orthodox community, and why Wilf believes Israel must stop delaying difficult decisions and begin addressing its deepest structural challenges.

Finally, we examine the changing relationship between Israel and the United States, the battle over global public opinion, and why Wilf believes the war for international legitimacy has become just as important as the military conflict itself.

A fascinating discussion about Zionism, Israeli politics, and the future of one of the world's most consequential democracies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

04:15 The Ideology Behind Hamas

08:08 Are There Palestinian Moderates?

16:18 Is Peace Still Possible?

20:50 Israeli Extremism & The Current Government

26:19 Why Anat Wilf Changed Her Mind

32:00 Inside Israel’s Next Election

37:10 Will Netanyahu Survive?

42:56 Trump, America & Israel’s Future

48:19 Is The Netanyahu Era Coming To An End?

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In this episode of The Brink, Jake is joined by businessman and former Cabinet minister Nadhim Zahawi for a conversation on immigration, political Islam, the future of the British right, and why he made the dramatic decision to leave the Conservative Party for Reform UK.

Drawing on his own experience of arriving in Britain as a Kurdish refugee from Iraq, Zahawi reflects on how immigration and integration have changed over the past four decades. He argues that successive governments failed to promote assimilation, allowed communities to become increasingly segregated, and underestimated the growing influence of political Islam in Britain.

The conversation explores the threat posed by the Muslim Brotherhood, the small boats crisis, legal migration, and why Zahawi believes Britain has reached a point where urgent action is needed. He explains why he supports banning the Muslim Brotherhood, proscribing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and reforming Britain's institutions to confront extremism more effectively.

We also discuss his decision to defect from the Conservatives to Reform UK, his conversations with Nigel Farage, and why he believes only Reform has the determination to tackle Britain's biggest challenges. The episode examines the future of the Conservative Party, the prospect of a Reform government, and what meaningful political change would actually require.

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In this episode of The Brink, Jake is joined by Emirati journalist, author, and political strategist Amjad Taha for a wide-ranging conversation on the rise of political Islam in the West, the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood, and the growing security challenges facing Britain and Europe.

Amjad argues that Western democracies have underestimated the threat posed by Islamist movements, explaining how organisations linked to the Muslim Brotherhood have embedded themselves within universities, charities, community groups, and political activism. He discusses anti-Semitism, radicalisation, the role of British institutions, and why he believes many Western governments have failed to confront the problem.

The conversation also explores the UAE's approach to combating extremism, the Abraham Accords, the future of the Middle East, and the wider struggle between Islamist ideology and states seeking stability and coexistence. We examine Britain's relationship with the Gulf, the war in Sudan, and why Amjad believes the West has misunderstood its allies in the region.

Finally, we turn to Iran and the aftermath of the recent conflict with Israel and the United States. Amjad explains why he believes the current ceasefire is only temporary, argues that the Iranian regime remains the greatest threat to regional stability, and warns that the next confrontation may be even more dangerous.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:12 How The Muslim Brotherhood Gains Influence

07:55 Iran, Hamas & The Silence Of British Politicians

12:27 How Islamists Use Democracy Against The West

15:32 Universities, Mosques & Radicalisation

22:26 What Is The Muslim Brotherhood?

28:32 How The Brotherhood Changes Society

32:01 Should Britain Ban The Muslim Brotherhood?

35:15 Public Prayer Or Political Power?

39:35 How Much Influence Does The Muslim Brotherhood Have In Britain?

46:28 Is The Problem Islam Or Islamism?

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Iran expert Kasra Aarabi to examine the state of the Iranian regime after the recent conflict with Israel and the United States, and to ask whether the Islamic Republic is weaker than it appears.

Drawing on sources inside Iran and years of research into the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Kasra explains the internal power struggles unfolding within the regime, the growing influence of younger and more radical elements of the IRGC, and why the battle for succession after Ayatollah Khamenei could reshape the future of the Islamic Republic.

The conversation explores the regime’s ideology, its nuclear ambitions, and the role of the IRGC in projecting Iranian power across the Middle East. We discuss the recent negotiations with the Trump administration, the future of Hezbollah, and why Tehran believes time is on its side despite suffering significant military setbacks.

Kasra also examines the relationship between Iran and regional actors such as Qatar, Pakistan, and Turkey, the wider geopolitical implications of the conflict, and the growing tensions between Washington, Jerusalem, and European capitals.

Finally, we turn to the Iranian people. Kasra explains why many Iranians continue to oppose the regime despite years of repression, why protest movements remain a serious threat to the Islamic Republic, and whether the current moment could mark the beginning of the end for one of the world's most entrenched authoritarian systems.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:42 Who Really Controls Iran Now?

08:30 The Islamic Republic Is A Mafia State

12:10 Purges Are Coming To Iran's Regime

14:43 Has The Regime Become More Extreme?

15:30 The Radicalisation Of The IRGC

20:35 The Rise Of Iran's Hardline Next Generation

21:54 Mahdism, Apocalypse & The IRGC Worldview

25:47 What Does Iran Actually Want From A Deal?

30:39 How Tehran Plans To Split Trump And Netanyahu

33:04 Iran's Nuclear Strategy: Delay, Delay, Delay

36:32 Why The Regime Fears Donald Trump

42:11 Does Iran Have Any Real Allies Left?

46:45 What Do Ordinary Iranians Think?

49:50 Why Many Iranians Still Trust Trump?

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In this bonus episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake unpack the fallout from Donald Trump’s proposed Iran deal and ask whether the United States has just handed a major strategic victory to the Iranian regime.

The conversation explores what went wrong after the 12 Day War, why the original campaign against Iran appeared to lose momentum, and whether a different outcome was possible. We discuss the role of Donald Trump, JD Vance, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the wider network of regional actors shaping events behind the scenes.

Andrew and Jake also examine the future of Israel’s relationship with the United States, the growing tensions between Washington and Jerusalem, and what this means for the balance of power across the Middle East. From Lebanon and Hezbollah to the Gulf states and the Strait of Hormuz, they consider how the region is being reshaped in real time.

Finally, the discussion turns to the Iranian people, the future of the regime, and whether there is still hope for meaningful change despite the setbacks of recent weeks.

Chapters

00:00 Iran Deal and Its Implications

02:28 Debate on the Iran Deal's Silver Linings

09:43 Trump's Role and the Impact on U.S. Strategy

15:29 The Role of Other Countries and Influence on Trump

18:34 Psychological Profiling and Trump's Vulnerabilities

30:53 The Impact on U.S.-Israel Relationship

35:20 Bibi's Leadership and Israel's Challenges

39:29 The Conflict in Lebanon and Its Implications

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by journalist and author Matti Friedman for a wide-ranging conversation on media bias, anti-Semitism, propaganda, and the growing gap between reality and perception in the coverage of Israel.

Drawing on decades of experience reporting from Israel, Friedman reflects on his time at the Associated Press and explains why he became convinced that much of the Western media no longer seeks to describe reality but to advance ideological narratives. He discusses his concept of “Gazology”, the growing industry of books, commentary, and activism that uses Gaza as a vehicle for broader political and cultural causes often disconnected from events on the ground.

The conversation explores why Israel receives such disproportionate attention from the international media, the role of social media and alternative outlets in shaping public opinion, and how anti-Semitic narratives have evolved in the modern age. We also examine the information war surrounding October 7th, claims of genocide, the treatment of journalists in Gaza, and the challenges of separating reporting from activism.

Finally, we discuss the future of Israel, the decline of trust in Western institutions, the shifting relationship between Israel and the United States, and whether Israeli society can emerge stronger from the profound challenges it has faced since October 7th.

A fascinating and deeply insightful discussion about journalism, propaganda, anti-Semitism, and the future of both Israel and the West.

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Chapters

00:00 Why Gaza Dominates Western Attention

03:16 Media Bias, Activism & The AP

08:32 Why Israel Matters More Than Sudan Or China

12:07 The West’s Obsession With The Jews

13:55 Was Israel Always Going To Be Blamed?

16:41 Gazology: How Gaza Became An Ideological Symbol

18:59 Why People Care More About Israel Than Reality

24:04 Social Media, Misinformation & The Gaza Narrative

30:06 Why Trust In The Media Has Collapsed

35:04 The Claim That Israel Is Killing Journalists

40:15 Hamas Propaganda & Western Reporting

43:01 Trump, Netanyahu & The Future Of Israel

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by evolutionary psychologist, bestselling author, and podcast host Gad Saad to discuss his new book, Suicidal Empathy, and the ideas he believes are driving the West towards cultural and political self-destruction.

Gad explains the concept of "suicidal empathy" and argues that many of the West’s biggest challenges stem from a well-meaning but ultimately self-defeating inability to balance compassion with self-preservation. From mass immigration and cultural relativism to identity politics and DEI, he explores how empathy can become detached from reality and produce disastrous consequences.

The conversation examines the origins of these ideas, the role of universities and elite institutions in spreading them, and why so many people feel unable to challenge prevailing orthodoxies. We also discuss meritocracy, free speech, the decline of intellectual curiosity, and the growing divide between common sense and elite opinion.

Finally, Gad reflects on Israel, October 7th, propaganda, and the psychological forces shaping public opinion in the West. He explains why he believes societies must rediscover the confidence to defend their values, culture, and institutions before it is too late.

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by comedian, commentator, and Triggernometry co-host Francis Foster for a wide-ranging conversation on identity politics, education, free speech, and the growing cultural divisions shaping modern Britain.

The discussion begins with the murder of Henry Nowak and the debate over two-tier policing. Francis argues that modern Britain has become increasingly divided by race and identity, warning that policies designed around immutable characteristics have fuelled resentment, mistrust, and social fragmentation.

Drawing on his experience as a teacher, Francis explains why he believes the education system is fundamentally broken. From declining standards and behavioural issues to ideological training and the "bigotry of low expectations", he reflects on the challenges facing schools and why so many teachers are leaving the profession.

The conversation also explores the rise of identity politics across public institutions, comedy, and the media. Francis describes how debates around race, gender, and national identity have transformed public life, and why many people now feel unable to speak openly about controversial issues.

We also discuss the Israel-Hamas war, anti-Semitism, and the importance of intellectual curiosity in an increasingly polarised age. From interviewing Benjamin Netanyahu to navigating online backlash, Francis argues that understanding opposing viewpoints is essential if difficult problems are ever to be solved.

Finally, he reflects on the extraordinary growth of Triggernometry, the collapse of trust in mainstream institutions, and why honest conversation remains one of the most powerful tools for tackling society’s biggest challenges.

A thought-provoking and often humorous discussion about education, culture, free speech, and the future of Britain.

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Chapters

00:00 Henry Nowak & Two-Tier Britain

02:29 The Dangers Of Identity Politics

06:31 Anti-Racism, Racism & Anti-Semitism

09:08 Multiracial vs Multicultural Britain

11:14 Why Britain Feels Like A Powder Keg

12:15 Education, Ideology & The Classroom

18:51 Communism, History & Ignorance

22:23 Why Francis Left Teaching

25:15 “How To Teach Black Boys”

31:52 Israel, Anti-Semitism & The Crisis Of Ideas

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by former US Special Representative for Iran Elliott Abrams for a wide-ranging conversation on the aftermath of the Iran war, Donald Trump’s foreign policy, and the future of American power in the Middle East.

We examine the state of Iran’s nuclear programme after the 12-day war and ask whether the current negotiations are simply delaying the problem rather than solving it. Abrams warns that any sanctions relief risks strengthening the regime while doing little to address its missiles, proxy militias, or long-term ambitions.

The conversation also explores Hezbollah, Lebanon, and the wider collapse of Iran’s so-called Ring of Fire following October 7th. Abrams argues that while Israel severely weakened Iran’s regional network, the underlying threat remains unresolved unless the regime itself is ultimately confronted.

We also discuss Donald Trump’s approach to power and foreign policy. From the Strait of Hormuz crisis to Venezuela, NATO, and Ukraine, Abrams reflects on Trump’s strengths, weaknesses, and governing style, including the lack of long-term strategic planning inside the administration.

Finally, we look ahead to the future of American politics, the battle between traditional conservatives and the MAGA movement, and whether figures like Marco Rubio or JD Vance could define the next era of the Republican Party.

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

04:55 Iran's Proxy Militia and Regional Dynamics

10:09 Nuclear Deal and Missile Concerns

15:12 Proxy Militia and Lebanon's Role

20:31 Economic Impact and Sanctions Relief

25:50 Trump's Negotiation Strategy and Military Planning

30:50 Lessons Learned and Future Prospects

35:50 Venezuela and Trump's Legacy

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by journalist and broadcaster Rageh Omaar for a conversation from Hargeisa on the extraordinary story of Somaliland and why this unrecognised state is suddenly becoming one of the world’s most important geopolitical flashpoints.

We explore Somaliland’s history as a former British protectorate, its brutal war for independence from Somalia, and how it rebuilt itself into a relatively stable and democratic country despite receiving almost no international recognition. Rageh explains why Somaliland sees itself as a nation that has been unfairly locked out of the international system, even while functioning more effectively than many recognised states.

The conversation then turns to the historic decision by Israel to formally recognise Somaliland in December 2025. Rageh discusses why the move transformed Somaliland’s international profile overnight and why relations between Somaliland and Israel have developed so warmly despite Somaliland being a deeply conservative Muslim society.

We also examine the wider geopolitical battle unfolding across the Horn of Africa. From China and Turkey’s growing influence in Somalia and Djibouti to the strategic importance of the Bab el-Mandeb shipping route, we discuss why global powers are increasingly focusing on Somaliland and whether Britain is making a major strategic mistake by failing to recognise it.

Finally, we discuss Somalia’s ongoing instability, the threat posed by Al Shabaab, the role of the Somaliland diaspora in rebuilding the country, and why Somaliland could become one of the West’s most important allies in Africa in the years ahead.

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Chapters

0:00 Introduction

4:47 Historical Context and Geographic Setting of Somaliland

7:26 Somaliland's Struggle for Independence and International Recognition

13:24 Israel's Recognition of Somaliland and Its Implications

18:58 Strategic Interests and Diplomatic Challenges

27:56 Somaliland's Relationship with Other Countries and International Recognition

35:19 Britain's Role and the Future of Somaliland's Recognition

43:53 The Impact of Recognition on Somaliland's Future

45:32 The Future of Somaliland's Relationship with Israel and Other Countries

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by broadcaster and journalist Julia Hartley-Brewer.

The discussion begins with the mounting pressure on Keir Starmer, with Julia arguing that his leadership has exposed deeper systemic failures across British politics. From Brexit and the civil service to taxation, public services, and political leadership, we explore why trust in both Labour and the Conservatives has collapsed so dramatically.

The conversation then turns to the media and the cultural establishment. Julia reflects on her career in British journalism and explains why she increasingly found herself at odds with elite opinion on issues like Brexit, lockdowns, net zero, and gender ideology. We examine whether legacy media has lost public trust and what has filled the vacuum online.

A major focus of the episode is anti-Semitism and the war in Israel. Julia shares her experience visiting Israel after October 7th, including visits to the Nova festival site and communities attacked by Hamas. She explains why the trip profoundly affected her understanding of the conflict and why she believes much of the Western public has been misled about Israel by media narratives and political activism.

Finally, we discuss the future of British politics, the rise of Reform, and whether the country is entering a period of deeper instability and fragmentation.

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Chapters

00:00 Intro

03:35 Keir Starmer and Labour

07:18 What’s wrong with UK politics

17:44 What a “truth-telling” PM would say

23:20 Julia’s media career and outsider role

30:00 Media bias and clickbait culture

38:38 Extremism, antisemitism and protests

41:36 Julia’s Israel trip and what Britain can learn

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Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/i-was-no-friend-of-israel-then-i?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Claire Fox for a wide-ranging conversation on Britain’s political realignment, the rise of populism, free speech, and the cultural fallout from October 7th.

Fox argues that both Labour and the Conservatives have become increasingly detached from ordinary people, creating the conditions for populist movements to surge across Britain. From Brexit and the financial crash to identity politics and the decline of national pride, we explore why so many voters feel alienated from the political establishment.

The discussion also examines censorship and self-censorship across universities, public institutions, and politics. Fox warns that ideological conformity and fear of social punishment are reshaping public life, while identity politics and multiculturalism have weakened a shared sense of citizenship.

The conversation then turns to the aftermath of October 7th and the rise of anti-Semitism in Britain. Fox reflects on how her own views on Israel changed over time and argues that hostility toward Israel increasingly reflects a deeper crisis within Western societies themselves.

A provocative and timely discussion about Britain’s future, democratic change, and the growing battle over national identity and free speech.

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Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/weve-got-to-fight-back-katharine?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Katharine Birbalsingh to discuss education, culture and the pressing crisis facing young people today.

Their conversation begins with a fundamental question: what is education truly for? She warns that many in the West underestimate the profound impact schools and wider culture have on younger generations’ attitudes and behaviours.

The discussion then shifts to the modern classroom. We explore how schools have become battlegrounds for broader cultural debates, influenced by political activism, ideological sway and evolving curricula. Birbalsingh contends that a shift away from discipline, tradition and moral clarity is having serious consequences for academic standards, behaviour, mental health and social cohesion.

From the influence of smartphones and social media to the decline of parental authority and the rise of online radicalisation, it examines why many young people feel anxious, confused and increasingly detached. Birbalsingh stresses that without strong guidance from schools and families, children are vulnerable to harmful influences.

Finally, the conversation expands to some of Britain’s most contentious issues, including identity, gender, anti-Semitism and integration. Drawing on her experience leading one of the country’s most talked-about schools, Birbalsingh offers a stark warning: unless parents and society take decisive action, these issues will continue to fester.

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Daniel Hannan for a wide-ranging conversation on freedom, identity, and the political challenges facing Britain today.

The discussion begins with a debate around freedom of worship and the place of Islam in a liberal society. We explore how questions of integration, national security, and cultural confidence are increasingly colliding in modern Britain.

The conversation then turns to the deeper causes behind social division. From economic stagnation to a loss of national identity, we examine why trust in institutions has eroded and how this creates fertile ground for both extremism and political fragmentation.

We also discuss the state of British politics under Keir Starmer, with a sharp critique of what Hannan describes as managerial leadership and a lack of clear direction.

Finally, the conversation widens to the global stage. We examine the impact of Donald Trump on Western alliances, the growing threat posed by Iran, and the risk of nuclear proliferation in an increasingly unstable world.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/can-the-west-survive-its-own-tolerance?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:52 Challenges of Integration and National Security

08:40 Historical Parallels and Integration Efforts

18:48 Economic and Social Factors Influencing Extremism

26:29 Keir Starmer's Leadership and Management Style

30:58 The Impact of Trump on Global Conservatism

43:12 The Role of the US in British Foreign Policy

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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew is joined by Lebanese historian and political analyst Makram Rabah for a deep dive into Hezbollah, Iran’s regional influence, and the fragile state of Lebanon.

The conversation explores how Hezbollah has evolved from a militant group into a dominant political and military force within Lebanon, and what that means for the country’s sovereignty. Rabah explains how Hezbollah operates not just as a proxy of Iran, but as a parallel state, shaping institutions, security, and everyday life.

We examine the wider regional picture, from Iran’s strategic ambitions to the role of proxy warfare across the Middle East. Rabah argues that Lebanon has effectively become a frontline in a much larger geopolitical struggle, with consequences that extend far beyond its borders.

The discussion also turns to the internal collapse of Lebanon itself. From economic breakdown to political paralysis, Rabah outlines how corruption, sectarianism, and external influence have hollowed out the state, leaving ordinary citizens to bear the cost.

Finally, we ask what comes next. Is there a path back to sovereignty for Lebanon, or has the balance of power shifted too far? And what does this mean for Israel, the wider region, and the future of Western policy in the Middle East?

A sharp and sobering conversation on power, proxy conflict, and the realities shaping the modern Middle East.

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/hezbollah-is-the-enemy-of-humanity?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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Watch the full and ad-free interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/whos-the-real-winner-air-marshal?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake discuss modern feminism, anti-Semitism, and the contradictions in contemporary culture with journalist and academic Zoe Strimpel.

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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Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/what-would-thatcher-do-iran-islam?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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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Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/you-cant-even-debate-this-uks-islamism?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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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In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Lionel Shriver for a wide-ranging conversation anchored in the results of the Gorton and Denton by-election and what they reveal about the changing political landscape in Britain.

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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In this bonus episode of The Brink, recorded in Kyiv, Andrew and Jake speak with American photojournalist Christopher Occhicone, who has spent years documenting the war in Ukraine from the front line.

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.

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

In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Richard Dearlove, former Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, for a wide-ranging conversation about intelligence, geopolitics, and the mounting confrontation between the West and the Iranian regime.

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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In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by military analyst and former Royal Navy officer Tom Sharpe to examine Britain’s response to the escalating crisis in the Middle East and the deeper problems facing the UK’s armed forces.

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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In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Hillel Neuer to examine the role of the United Nations during the escalating crisis in Iran and to ask whether the institution is still capable of acting as a moral authority in world affairs.

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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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Norman Roule to unpack the unfolding war with Iran and the strategic thinking behind the campaign against the Islamic Republic.

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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Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/the-war-the-mainstream-media-doesnt?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

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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In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Haviv Rettig Gur for a wide-ranging and deeply probing conversation about why Israel is so disproportionately hated, and what that hostility reveals about the state of the West.

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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In this episode of The Brink, Andrew is in the hot seat as we discuss his new report for the Henry Jackson Society, Tactical Lessons from Gaza, a detailed and highly praised analysis of the war and what Western militaries can learn from it. The report has been read and commended by senior military figures around the world, including four-star generals in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

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 this bonus episode Andrew and Jake were on Iran International for a special joint appearance on the London based anti regime television channel, bringing the podcast’s analysis directly to an Iranian audience watching from inside the country and across the diaspora.

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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In this episode of The Brink, we are joined by Sir Trevor Phillips, writer and broadcaster, for a wide-ranging and deeply revealing conversation about power, loyalty, identity, and the moral state of Britain.

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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In this special live episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by Rachel Riley and Brendan O’Neill for a powerful and often confrontational discussion about antisemitism, Holocaust memory, and the moral collapse of Western institutions since October 7.

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

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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Michael Gove, former Cabinet minister and one of the most influential figures in modern British politics, for a wide-ranging and unusually frank conversation about power, ideology, and the state of the country.

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

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In this episode of The Brink, Iranian researcher and analyst Kasra Aarabi joins us. He has extensive networks within Iran’s protest movement and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, offering a sobering and urgent account of the situation on the ground.

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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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Kwasi Kwarteng, former Chancellor of the Exchequer, for a wide-ranging and unusually candid conversation about power, politics, and the realities of governing Britain.

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.

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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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In this special end of year episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake look back on 2025, reflecting on the moments, conversations, and events that defined the year and shaped the world we are heading into in 2026.

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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In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by French philosopher, writer, and public intellectual Bernard-Henri Lévy for a wide ranging conversation about the fate of the West, the wars in Ukraine and Israel, and the values now under threat across liberal democracies.

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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In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by Anne Herzberg, Legal Adviser at NGO Monitor, to examine how international NGOs have become deeply entangled with Hamas in Gaza and how Western taxpayer money has been misused as a result.

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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In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by Ed Husain, author of The Islamist and Among the Mosques, to explore the roots of Islamist extremism, the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood, and what has gone wrong inside parts of Britain’s Muslim community.

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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In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by Colin Brazier, former Sky News presenter, and Danny Cohen, former Director of Television at the BBC, for an insider look at how Britain’s media lost its way.

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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In this episode of The Brink, we’re joined by David Patrikarakos, foreign correspondent and author of War in 140 Characters, for a gripping conversation on the end of the Pax Americana, the future of Ukraine, and the rise of a new global order.

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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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Alan Mendoza, Executive Director of the Henry Jackson Society and newly appointed Chief Adviser on Global Affairs for Reform UK. Alan reflects on his political journey from lifelong Conservative to joining Reform, and why he believes Britain needs bold, radical change to confront the crises it faces at home and abroad.

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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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Nick Timothy, Conservative MP and former Downing Street adviser, for a powerful conversation about extremism, free speech, and the cultural challenges reshaping Britain.

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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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Lord Nigel Biggar, theologian, ethicist, and author, for a fearless examination of Britain’s imperial past and the moral panic surrounding slavery, reparations, and “decolonisation.”

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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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with historian and writer Niall Ferguson for a sweeping conversation on the West’s cultural and moral decline, from the rise of radical progressivism and Islamist ideology to the erosion of faith, patriotism, and social cohesion.

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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In this episode of The Brink, Jake sits down with Tom Holland, historian and co-host of The Rest Is History, for a profound conversation about faith, Western civilisation, and the moral roots of our culture.

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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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Lord Walney (John Woodcock) and MP Tom Tugendhat, former Security Minister, for a deep dive into Britain’s growing national security crisis. From Russian assassination plots and Chinese espionage to Iranian influence and homegrown extremism, this conversation exposes the threats the UK can no longer afford to ignore.

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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In this Rapid Response clip, we react to Aston Villa’s shocking decision to ban Maccabi Tel Aviv fans from attending their upcoming Europa League match — a move that has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about double standards, fear, and antisemitism in Britain.

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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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with Yossi Cohen, former Director of Mossad and one of the world’s most renowned spymasters. From leading the 2018 raid on Iran’s nuclear archive to brokering the Abraham Accords, Cohen has shaped some of the most pivotal moments in recent Middle Eastern history.

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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In this Rapid Response episode of The Brink, we react to the breaking news that Israeli hostages have finally been freed after two years in Hamas captivity. A moment of relief, sorrow, and reckoning for Israel and the wider West.

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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In this episode of The Brink, we sat down with General Yoav Gallant, former Israeli Defence Minister during October 7th and the first year of the war, to discuss the future of Gaza, Britain’s stance under Keir Starmer, and the survival of Israel in the face of unprecedented threats.

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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Something different today… this is our Substack Rapid Response, where we break down the horrific events in Manchester, a suspected terror attack leaving victims injured and now dead and a community shaken.

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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In this clip from The Brink’s Rapid Response, we break down Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza plan and what it means for Israel, Hamas, and the wider Middle East.

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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In this episode of The Brink, we sit down with journalist and media entrepreneur Bari Weiss to talk about the collapse of trust in our institutions, the rise of anti-Semitism, and the future of journalism in America and the West.

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

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Was the Tommy Robinson rally a good or bad thing? What did it say about the state of British politics, Christianity and the West? Is there true evidence of “genocide” in Gaza? And what happened when Andrew was engaged in a firefight with Taliban jihadis outside a mosque? Join Daily Telegraph columnist and foreign correspondent Jake Wallis Simons and former parachute regiment officer and geopolitical analyst Andrew Fox on The Brink for Episode One.

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Sometimes the world feels like it’s on the edge—from conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East to culture wars dividing us here at home. From Israel to immigration, it can feel like the West is losing its way. That’s why we created The Brink.

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

We’re just getting started...join us on The Brink

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