The evolving relationship between Armenia and Russia has seen dramatic shifts in recent years, particularly in the wake of Armenia's devastating defeat in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. Once heavily reliant on Russian military support, Armenia now finds itself questioning the reliability of this partnership. As Russia grapples with its own military commitments in Ukraine and its shrinking influence in the South Caucasus, Armenia has begun to explore alternative alliances, deepening ties with countries like France and India. But with Russian troops still stationed in Armenia and economic dependencies persisting, can Armenia truly pivot away from Moscow's orbit? We ask our panel of experts about the complexities of Armenia's balancing act between historical alliances and new geopolitical realities. On the panel this week:- Oleysa Vartanyan (Caucasus Analyst)- Laurence Broers (Chatham House)- Thomas De Waal (Carnegie Europe) Intro - 00:00PART I - 05:24PART II - 27:36PART III - 58:08Outro - 1:21:38 Read the Armed Forces of Central Asia Report: <a href="https://oxussociety.org/projects/the-armed-forces-of-central-asia/">https://oxussociety.org/projects/the-armed-forces-of-central-asia/</a>Follow the show on @TheRedLinePodFollow Michael on @MikeHilliardAusSupport the show at <a href="https://www.patreon.com/c/theredlinepodcast">https://www.patreon.com/c/theredlinepodcast</a>Submit Questions and Join the Red Line Discord Server at: <a href="https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord">https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord</a>For more info, please visit <a href="https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord">https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>The evolving relationship between Armenia and Russia has seen dramatic shifts in recent years, particularly in the wake of Armenia's devastating defeat in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. Once heavily reliant on Russian military support, Armenia now finds itself questioning the reliability of this partnership. As Russia grapples with its own military commitments in Ukraine and its shrinking influence in the South Caucasus, Armenia has begun to explore alternative alliances, deepening ties with countries like France and India. But with Russian troops still stationed in Armenia and economic dependencies persisting, can Armenia truly pivot away from Moscow's orbit? We ask our panel of experts about the complexities of Armenia's balancing act between historical alliances and new geopolitical realities.

On the panel this week:
- Oleysa Vartanyan (Caucasus Analyst)
- Laurence Broers (Chatham House)
- Thomas De Waal (Carnegie Europe)

Intro - 00:00
PART I - 05:24
PART II - 27:36
PART III - 58:08
Outro - 1:21:38

Read the Armed Forces of Central Asia Report: https://oxussociety.org/projects/the-armed-forces-of-central-asia/
Follow the show on @TheRedLinePod
Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus
Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/c/theredlinepodcast
Submit Questions and Join the Red Line Discord Server at: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord
For more info, please visit https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

Armenia's path through the mountains

The evolving relationship between Armenia and Russia has seen dramatic shifts in recent years, particularly in the wake of Armenia's devastating defeat in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. Once heavily reliant on Russian military support, Armenia now finds itself questioning the reliability of this partnership. As Russia grapples with its own military commitments in Ukraine and its shrinking influence in the South Caucasus, Armenia has begun to explore alternative alliances, deepening ties with countries like France and India. But with Russian troops still stationed in Armenia and economic dependencies persisting, can Armenia truly pivot away from Moscow's orbit? We ask our panel of experts about the complexities of Armenia's balancing act between historical alliances and new geopolitical realities.

On the panel this week:
- Oleysa Vartanyan (Caucasus Analyst)
- Laurence Broers (Chatham House)
- Thomas De Waal (Carnegie Europe)

Intro - 00:00
PART I - 05:24
PART II - 27:36
PART III - 58:08
Outro - 1:21:38

Read the Armed Forces of Central Asia Report: https://oxussociety.org/projects/the-armed-forces-of-central-asia/
Follow the show on @TheRedLinePod
Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus
Support the show at https://www.patreon.com/c/theredlinepodcast
Submit Questions and Join the Red Line Discord Server at: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord
For more info, please visit https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

126 - Armenia’s Changing Relationship with Russia

Conscription is a complex and multifaceted issue, influencing not only a nation's defence capabilities but also its economy and political landscape. With countries as diverse as Denmark, to the DRC, from Taiwan to Tajikistan, and even Austria to Armenia, having all adopted conscription. However, as different as each of these nations are, each of them is now facing unique challenges, constraints, impacts and benefits from the practice. So what are the true economic advantages and drawbacks of conscription, should countries like the US, the UK and Germany be looking at its reimplementation, and can it serve as an effective deterrent in modern conflicts? We ask our panel of experts: On the panel this week:- Paul O'Neill (RUSI)- Pvt. Gona (Conscript in the Finnish Army)- Eric Crampton (New Zealand Initiative) Intro - 00:00PART 1 - 05:51PART 2 - 28:47PART 3 - 43:13Outro - 56:39 Follow the show on @TheRedLinePodFollow Michael on @MikeHilliardAusSupport The Red Line at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepodcastSubmit Questions and Join the Red Line Discord Server at: <a href="https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord">https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord</a>For more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>Conscription is a complex and multifaceted issue, influencing not only a nation's defence capabilities but also its economy and political landscape. With countries as diverse as Denmark, to the DRC, from Taiwan to Tajikistan, and even Austria to Armenia, having all adopted conscription. However, as different as each of these nations are, each of them is now facing unique challenges, constraints, impacts and benefits from the practice. So what are the true economic advantages and drawbacks of conscription, should countries like the US, the UK and Germany be looking at its reimplementation, and can it serve as an effective deterrent in modern conflicts? We ask our panel of experts:

On the panel this week:
- Paul O'Neill (RUSI)
- Pvt. Gona (Conscript in the Finnish Army)
- Eric Crampton (New Zealand Initiative)

Intro - 00:00
PART 1 - 05:51
PART 2 - 28:47
PART 3 - 43:13
Outro - 56:39

Follow the show on @TheRedLinePod
Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus
Support The Red Line at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepodcast
Submit Questions and Join the Red Line Discord Server at: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord
For more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

Forced Forces

Conscription is a complex and multifaceted issue, influencing not only a nation's defence capabilities but also its economy and political landscape. With countries as diverse as Denmark, to the DRC, from Taiwan to Tajikistan, and even Austria to Armenia, having all adopted conscription. However, as different as each of these nations are, each of them is now facing unique challenges, constraints, impacts and benefits from the practice. So what are the true economic advantages and drawbacks of conscription, should countries like the US, the UK and Germany be looking at its reimplementation, and can it serve as an effective deterrent in modern conflicts? We ask our panel of experts:

On the panel this week:
- Paul O'Neill (RUSI)
- Pvt. Gona (Conscript in the Finnish Army)
- Eric Crampton (New Zealand Initiative)

Intro - 00:00
PART 1 - 05:51
PART 2 - 28:47
PART 3 - 43:13
Outro - 56:39

Follow the show on @TheRedLinePod
Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus
Support The Red Line at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepodcast
Submit Questions and Join the Red Line Discord Server at: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord
For more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

125 - The Economics of Conscription

Chinese private security companies (PSCs) are beginning to expand their influence in the global security market, with thousands of these companies now operating in over 40 countries. Despite legal restrictions preventing them from being armed, these firms are increasingly finding ways to circumvent such regulations. This raises critical questions: Will China leverage these companies to bypass international rules, engage in grey-zone combat, or establish footholds for future military bases abroad? We delve into these issues with our expert panel. On the panel this week:- Carl Peterson (Militant Wire)- Nick Thompson (Anduril)- Alessandro Arduino (King’s College London) Intro - 00:00PART 1 - 04:38PART 2 - 30:11PART 3 - 45:35Outro - 59:02 Follow the show on @TheRedLinePodFollow Michael on @MikeHilliardAusSupport The Red Line at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepodcastSubmit Questions and Join the Red Line Discord Server at: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discordFor more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>Chinese private security companies (PSCs) are beginning to expand their influence in the global security market, with thousands of these companies now operating in over 40 countries. Despite legal restrictions preventing them from being armed, these firms are increasingly finding ways to circumvent such regulations. This raises critical questions: Will China leverage these companies to bypass international rules, engage in grey-zone combat, or establish footholds for future military bases abroad? We delve into these issues with our expert panel.

On the panel this week:
- Carl Peterson (Militant Wire)
- Nick Thompson (Anduril)
- Alessandro Arduino (King’s College London)

Intro - 00:00
PART 1 - 04:38
PART 2 - 30:11
PART 3 - 45:35
Outro - 59:02

Follow the show on @TheRedLinePod
Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus
Support The Red Line at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepodcast
Submit Questions and Join the Red Line Discord Server at: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord
For more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

Modern Lawfare

Chinese private security companies (PSCs) are beginning to expand their influence in the global security market, with thousands of these companies now operating in over 40 countries. Despite legal restrictions preventing them from being armed, these firms are increasingly finding ways to circumvent such regulations. This raises critical questions: Will China leverage these companies to bypass international rules, engage in grey-zone combat, or establish footholds for future military bases abroad? We delve into these issues with our expert panel.

On the panel this week:
- Carl Peterson (Militant Wire)
- Nick Thompson (Anduril)
- Alessandro Arduino (King’s College London)

Intro - 00:00
PART 1 - 04:38
PART 2 - 30:11
PART 3 - 45:35
Outro - 59:02

Follow the show on @TheRedLinePod
Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus
Support The Red Line at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepodcast
Submit Questions and Join the Red Line Discord Server at: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord
For more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Venezuela has been thrust into chaos following the recent election, leaving President Maduro, the opposition, and the military cornered. Years of escalating tensions with Guyana over the Essequibo region have reached a critical point, risking both the strength of the Venezuelan military and the possibility of a broader regional conflict. This episode examines the buildup to potential war, how the election has intensified these events, and whether the Venezuelan military can fulfil Maduro's promise of forcefully annexing Guyana? We ask our panel of experts. On the panel this week:- Kejal Vyas (Wall Street Journal)- Gisela Salim-Peyer (The Atlantic)- Evan Ellis (US Army War College) Intro - 00:00PART 1 - 06:08PART 2 - 30:44PART 3 - 45:37Outro - 1:14:47 Follow the show on @TheRedLinePodFollow Michael on @MikeHilliardAusSupport The Red Line at: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepodcast">https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepodcast</a>Submit Questions and Join the Red Line Discord Server at: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discordFor more info, please visit: <a href="https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/">https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/</a> Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>Venezuela has been thrust into chaos following the recent election, leaving President Maduro, the opposition, and the military cornered. Years of escalating tensions with Guyana over the Essequibo region have reached a critical point, risking both the strength of the Venezuelan military and the possibility of a broader regional conflict. This episode examines the buildup to potential war, how the election has intensified these events, and whether the Venezuelan military can fulfil Maduro's promise of forcefully annexing Guyana? We ask our panel of experts.

On the panel this week:
- Kejal Vyas (Wall Street Journal)
- Gisela Salim-Peyer (The Atlantic)
- Evan Ellis (US Army War College)

Intro - 00:00
PART 1 - 06:08
PART 2 - 30:44
PART 3 - 45:37
Outro - 1:14:47

Follow the show on @TheRedLinePod
Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus
Support The Red Line at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepodcast
Submit Questions and Join the Red Line Discord Server at: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord
For more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

Venezuela has been thrust into chaos following the recent election, leaving President Maduro, the opposition, and the military cornered. Years of escalating tensions with Guyana over the Essequibo region have reached a critical point, risking both the strength of the Venezuelan military and the possibility of a broader regional conflict. This episode examines the buildup to potential war, how the election has intensified these events, and whether the Venezuelan military can fulfil Maduro's promise of forcefully annexing Guyana? We ask our panel of experts.

On the panel this week:
- Kejal Vyas (Wall Street Journal)
- Gisela Salim-Peyer (The Atlantic)
- Evan Ellis (US Army War College)

Intro - 00:00
PART 1 - 06:08
PART 2 - 30:44
PART 3 - 45:37
Outro - 1:14:47

Follow the show on @TheRedLinePod
Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus
Support The Red Line at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepodcast
Submit Questions and Join the Red Line Discord Server at: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord
For more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

123 - What the Venezuelan Election Means for Essequibo

As the dust settles on what has turned out to be South Africa's most crucial election since 1994, the nation finds itself standing on a knife's edge. Persistent issues have continued to escalate, leaving the country more politically divided than ever before. Now, with an unexpected and unlikely political alliance at the helm, South Africa faces a deep period of uncertainty. Given the current economic trends, the country has only a narrow window of five years to reverse its trajectory. With the clock ticking, can this coalition implement the necessary changes to steer South Africa back towards stability and prosperity, or will the erosion continue, paving the way for more extreme parties and policies? Will this new alliance rekindle a national renaissance and begin a new chapter for South Africa? We ask our panel of experts. On the panel this week:- Sisonke Msimang (Writer and Activist)- Martin Plaut (Institute of Commonwealth Studies)- Carien Du Plessis (The Africa Report) Intro - 00:00PART 1 - 02:59PART 2 - 33:15PART 3 - 58:52Outro - 1:19:44 Follow the show on @TheRedLinePodFollow Michael on @MikeHilliardAusSupport The Red Line at: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepodcast">https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepodcast</a>Submit Questions and Join the Red Line Discord Server at: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discordFor more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

<description>As the dust settles on what has turned out to be South Africa's most crucial election since 1994, the nation finds itself standing on a knife's edge. Persistent issues have continued to escalate, leaving the country more politically divided than ever before. Now, with an unexpected and unlikely political alliance at the helm, South Africa faces a deep period of uncertainty. Given the current economic trends, the country has only a narrow window of five years to reverse its trajectory. With the clock ticking, can this coalition implement the necessary changes to steer South Africa back towards stability and prosperity, or will the erosion continue, paving the way for more extreme parties and policies? Will this new alliance rekindle a national renaissance and begin a new chapter for South Africa? We ask our panel of experts.

On the panel this week:
- Sisonke Msimang (Writer and Activist)
- Martin Plaut (Institute of Commonwealth Studies)
- Carien Du Plessis (The Africa Report)

Intro - 00:00
PART 1 - 02:59
PART 2 - 33:15
PART 3 - 58:52
Outro - 1:19:44

Follow the show on @TheRedLinePod
Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus
Support The Red Line at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepodcast
Submit Questions and Join the Red Line Discord Server at: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord
For more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices</description>

122 - South Africa: Comeback or Collapse?

As the dust settles on what has turned out to be South Africa's most crucial election since 1994, the nation finds itself standing on a knife's edge. Persistent issues have continued to escalate, leaving the country more politically divided than ever before. Now, with an unexpected and unlikely political alliance at the helm, South Africa faces a deep period of uncertainty. Given the current economic trends, the country has only a narrow window of five years to reverse its trajectory. With the clock ticking, can this coalition implement the necessary changes to steer South Africa back towards stability and prosperity, or will the erosion continue, paving the way for more extreme parties and policies? Will this new alliance rekindle a national renaissance and begin a new chapter for South Africa? We ask our panel of experts.

On the panel this week:
- Sisonke Msimang (Writer and Activist)
- Martin Plaut (Institute of Commonwealth Studies)
- Carien Du Plessis (The Africa Report)

Intro - 00:00
PART 1 - 02:59
PART 2 - 33:15
PART 3 - 58:52
Outro - 1:19:44

Follow the show on @TheRedLinePod
Follow Michael on @MikeHilliardAus
Support The Red Line at: https://www.patreon.com/theredlinepodcast
Submit Questions and Join the Red Line Discord Server at: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord
For more info, please visit: https://www.theredlinepodcast.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

Hosted by Michael Hilliard

The Red Line

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