In this episode, Jamie Gaskarth and Laura Southgate discuss the evolving dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region.

They talk about the region's economic importance and growing tensions due, at least in part, to the strained relationship between China and the US. They also discuss the implications for other powers, especially the UK, in seeking to balance security interests in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific.

Jamie is Professor of Foreign Policy and International Relations at the Open University. Laura is Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Aston University.

In this episode, US and Royal Navy officers examine the mental health challenges experienced by the surviving crew following a mass casualty event.

US Navy officer Ryan Easterday and Royal Navy Medical Officer Charlotte Evans use the tragic collision of USS John S McCain in 2017 as a case study to discuss the actions taken to address such mental health challenges.

Ryan is an officer in the US Navy and has helped return USS John S McCain to warfighting readiness as Executive Officer and then Commanding Officer from late 2017 until early 2021. Charlotte is a Royal Navy Medical Officer and Consultant Psychiatrist. Related article: Learning From the USS John S McCain Incident | Royal United Services Institute

In this special episode, author August Cole and Professor David Gioe FRHistS reflect on the tumultuous events of 2024. They discuss the books, films and exhibitions that have helped make sense of the year's key defence and security developments, and share their insights on what the future might hold in 2025.