Is the United States still the stabilising force of the international system — or has it become part of the instability?


In our first episode back, Professor Scott Lucas joins John Bruni to unpack the Iran War, the growing global energy crisis, NATO’s deepening anxiety, and whether Trump-era America has entered a state of permanent political and strategic turbulence.


From the Strait of Hormuz to Washington itself, this is a hard conversation about power, disorder, and whether the world’s superpower is now accelerating the very chaos it once contained.


Show Notes:


After a period away due to medical leave, John Bruni returns to The Focus for a major conversation on the state of the international system — and the growing instability surrounding the United States itself.


Joining us is Professor Scott Lucas from the Clinton Institute in Dublin, one of the most respected analysts of American politics and international affairs.


Together, they examine whether the United States is still acting as the stabilising force of the global order — or whether internal political turmoil, strategic overreach, and the Trump presidency are now contributing to international instability.


Topics include:


The Iran War and risks of wider U.S. escalation
Strait of Hormuz tensions and global energy insecurity
“World War E” — energy as the new geopolitical battlespace
Concerns over American reliability
Trump, executive power, and institutional strain


Scott’s presence on socials:


X: @ScottLucas_EA
Bluesky: @scottlucas.bysky.social
Instagram: scottlucasworldview
Web: https://eaworldview.com/ 

Is the United States still the stabilising force of the international system &mdash; or has it become part of the instability?
 In our first episode back, Professor Scott Lucas joins John Bruni to unpack the Iran War, the growing global energy crisis, NATO&rsquo;s deepening anxiety, and whether Trump-era America has entered a state of permanent political and strategic turbulence.
 From the Strait of Hormuz to Washington itself, this is a hard conversation about power, disorder, and whether the world&rsquo;s superpower is now accelerating the very chaos it once contained.
 Show Notes:
 After a period away due to medical leave, John Bruni returns to The Focus for a major conversation on the state of the international system &mdash; and the growing instability surrounding the United States itself.
 Joining us is Professor Scott Lucas from the Clinton Institute in Dublin, one of the most respected analysts of American politics and international affairs.
 Together, they examine whether the United States is still acting as the stabilising force of the global order &mdash; or whether internal political turmoil, strategic overreach, and the Trump presidency are now contributing to international instability.
 Topics include:
 The Iran War and risks of wider U.S. escalation Strait of Hormuz tensions and global energy insecurity &ldquo;World War E&rdquo; &mdash; energy as the new geopolitical battlespace Concerns over American reliability Trump, executive power, and institutional strain
 Scott&rsquo;s presence on socials:
 X: @ScottLucas_EA Bluesky: @scottlucas.bysky.social Instagram: scottlucasworldview Web: https://eaworldview.com/&nbsp;

Scott Lucas | The World Trump Made

George Mamalis joins us for a deep dive into South Australia, political power, and the future of the Australian system.

Australia’s political landscape is shifting — and not just in South Australia.
In this episode of The Focus, we explore the deeper forces reshaping politics across the country.

Dr. John Bruni sits down with George-Alexander Mamalis — political commentator and host of The Adelaide Set — for a wide-ranging discussion on the changing nature of Australian politics. While the conversation begins with the upcoming South Australian election, it quickly expands into a broader analysis of the structural, cultural, and philosophical shifts shaping modern democracy.

We examine:

The dominance — and limitations — of the Labor–Liberal political system

The role of leadership personality versus policy

The growing country–city divide in Australia

The rise of outsider political movements, including Turning Point Australia

Power networks and influence, including “The Adelaide Set”

The impact of global ideas and emerging debates — including transhumanism — on political discourse

This is not just a conversation about South Australia — it is a discussion about where Australian politics is heading, and what that means in a rapidly changing world.

Call to Action: Before you go — drop a comment below and let us know two things: where you're watching from, and whether you think politics today is about ideas… or personalities.

Show Notes:

🔖 About the Guest

George-Alexander Mamalis is a political commentator based in South Australia and the host of The Adelaide Set, where he explores political, cultural, and societal issues shaping contemporary Australia.

If you want to know more about George, head to his YouTube Channel, George Mamalis, which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@georgiemamalis 

🎙️ About the Host


Dr. John Bruni is a geopolitical analyst and CEO of SAGE International Australia, and host of The Focus Podcast, where he engages with leading thinkers and practitioners on global affairs, defence, and geopolitics.

George Mamalis joins us for a deep dive into South Australia, political power, and the future of the Australian system.
Australia&rsquo;s political landscape is shifting &mdash; and not just in South Australia. In this episode of The Focus, we explore the deeper forces reshaping politics across the country.
Dr. John Bruni sits down with George-Alexander Mamalis &mdash; political commentator and host of The Adelaide Set &mdash; for a wide-ranging discussion on the changing nature of Australian politics. While the conversation begins with the upcoming South Australian election, it quickly expands into a broader analysis of the structural, cultural, and philosophical shifts shaping modern democracy.
We examine:
The dominance &mdash; and limitations &mdash; of the Labor&ndash;Liberal political system
The role of leadership personality versus policy
The growing country&ndash;city divide in Australia
The rise of outsider political movements, including Turning Point Australia
Power networks and influence, including &ldquo;The Adelaide Set&rdquo;
The impact of global ideas and emerging debates &mdash; including transhumanism &mdash; on political discourse
This is not just a conversation about South Australia &mdash; it is a discussion about where Australian politics is heading, and what that means in a rapidly changing world.
Call to Action: Before you go &mdash; drop a comment below and let us know two things: where you're watching from, and whether you think politics today is about ideas&hellip; or personalities.
Show Notes:
🔖 About the Guest
George-Alexander Mamalis is a political commentator based in South Australia and the host of The Adelaide Set, where he explores political, cultural, and societal issues shaping contemporary Australia.
If you want to know more about George, head to his YouTube Channel, George Mamalis, which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/@georgiemamalis&nbsp;
🎙️ About the Host
 Dr. John Bruni is a geopolitical analyst and CEO of SAGE International Australia, and host of The Focus Podcast, where he engages with leading thinkers and practitioners on global affairs, defence, and geopolitics.

Australia’s Political Reset

Two wars are raging in the world right now: Ukraine and Iran. Both are, at their core, energy wars. Modern economies depend on cheap and reliable supplies of oil and gas. But what happens when war disrupts access to energy in not just one, but two of the world’s most critical regions at the same time? The Ukraine war has already reshaped Europe’s energy landscape. Now escalating conflict involving Iran is placing the wider Middle East — the heart of the global energy system — under growing strain.

We may not be witnessing World War III.

But we may be entering something else:
World War E — the global energy war.
Show Notes:
Topics Covered

• The strategic intersection between the Iran war and the Ukraine war 

• Whether energy pressure could weaken European support for Ukraine 

• The damage to Russian oil and gas infrastructure and whether Moscow could restore exports quickly

 • The implications of Iranian attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure

 • Reports of possible Russia–Iran military cooperation 

• Whether renewable energy can realistically close emerging energy gaps 

• The future of European energy security

Explainer: What Does “Force Majeure” Mean in LNG Markets?

A force majeure declaration is a legal term used in international contracts when extraordinary events prevent a company from fulfilling its obligations.

In the context of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, it typically means that the supplier is temporarily unable to deliver contracted shipments due to circumstances beyond its control, such as:

• war or military conflict 

• major infrastructure damage

 • natural disasters

 • government intervention or sanctions

When a supplier declares force majeure, it signals to buyers that contractual delivery obligations may be suspended or reduced without financial penalties.

For global energy markets, such declarations are extremely significant.
Qatar is one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, supplying major markets across Europe and Asia. Any sustained disruption to Qatari LNG exports tightens global gas supply and can drive prices sharply higher.

In a world still heavily dependent on hydrocarbons, disruptions in the Gulf can rapidly translate into economic pressure far beyond the Middle East.

Guest

Anders Puck Nielsen is a naval officer and military analyst at the Royal Danish Defence College.

His work focuses on maritime strategy, naval warfare, and contemporary security challenges, including the war in Ukraine and Russia’s military strategy.


He also runs a widely followed YouTube channel explaining military and geopolitical developments.

Subscribe to The Focus


For more conversations with leading experts on geopolitics, defence, and global security:
👍 Like the video 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes

Two wars are raging in the world right now: Ukraine and Iran. Both are, at their core, energy wars. Modern economies depend on cheap and reliable supplies of oil and gas. But what happens when war disrupts access to energy in not just one, but two of the world&rsquo;s most critical regions at the same time? The Ukraine war has already reshaped Europe&rsquo;s energy landscape. Now escalating conflict involving Iran is placing the wider Middle East &mdash; the heart of the global energy system &mdash; under growing strain.
We may not be witnessing World War III.
But we may be entering something else: World War E &mdash; the global energy war. Show Notes: Topics Covered
&bull; The strategic intersection between the Iran war and the Ukraine war 
&bull; Whether energy pressure could weaken European support for Ukraine 
&bull; The damage to Russian oil and gas infrastructure and whether Moscow could restore exports quickly
 &bull; The implications of Iranian attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure
 &bull; Reports of possible Russia&ndash;Iran military cooperation 
&bull; Whether renewable energy can realistically close emerging energy gaps 
&bull; The future of European energy security
Explainer: What Does &ldquo;Force Majeure&rdquo; Mean in LNG Markets?
A force majeure declaration is a legal term used in international contracts when extraordinary events prevent a company from fulfilling its obligations.
In the context of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, it typically means that the supplier is temporarily unable to deliver contracted shipments due to circumstances beyond its control, such as:
&bull; war or military conflict 
&bull; major infrastructure damage
 &bull; natural disasters
 &bull; government intervention or sanctions
When a supplier declares force majeure, it signals to buyers that contractual delivery obligations may be suspended or reduced without financial penalties.
For global energy markets, such declarations are extremely significant. Qatar is one of the world&rsquo;s largest LNG exporters, supplying major markets across Europe and Asia. Any sustained disruption to Qatari LNG exports tightens global gas supply and can drive prices sharply higher.
In a world still heavily dependent on hydrocarbons, disruptions in the Gulf can rapidly translate into economic pressure far beyond the Middle East.
Guest
Anders Puck Nielsen is a naval officer and military analyst at the Royal Danish Defence College.
His work focuses on maritime strategy, naval warfare, and contemporary security challenges, including the war in Ukraine and Russia&rsquo;s military strategy.
 He also runs a widely followed YouTube channel explaining military and geopolitical developments.
Subscribe to The Focus
 For more conversations with leading experts on geopolitics, defence, and global security: 👍 Like the video 💬 Share your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes

World War E

As Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds into its fifth year, the geopolitical map is shifting in real time.
In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with Lt. Gen. (ret.) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe, about the war’s trajectory, the future of NATO, and the global ripple effects now shaping the international order.
Recorded before the outbreak of U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran, this conversation captures the strategic debate at a critical moment — when tensions were already rising and the world stood on the edge of a wider conflict. The insights remain deeply relevant to understanding what comes next.
Whether the conflict ends through negotiation, exhaustion, or escalation, one thing is clear: Ukraine has become the central strategic battleground shaping the 21st-century security order.
Show Notes:
Topics Discussed
• Russia’s ability to sustain its war effort in Ukraine after five years of fighting • Whether Moscow still possesses a coherent strategy or is now fighting a war of attrition • The latest realities on the Ukrainian battlefield, including drones, long-range strike systems, and evolving tactics • Europe’s growing role in supporting Ukraine and what this means for the future of NATO and the transatlantic alliance • Insights from the Munich Security Conference and the strategic mood among Western policymakers • Russia’s shadow fleet and the ongoing effort to disrupt sanctions evasion • The broader geopolitical landscape involving Iran, China, and shifting global power dynamics • The strategic importance of Greenland and the Arctic in future great-power competition

Key Question
Is NATO weakening without dominant U.S. leadership — or evolving into a more balanced alliance where Europe carries greater strategic responsibility?

Guest
Lt. Gen. (ret.) Ben Hodges Former Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe Senior strategic analyst on European security and NATO.

Host
Dr. John Bruni Founder & CEO, SAGE International Host of The Focus Podcast

About The Focus
The Focus Podcast brings together leading thinkers in geopolitics, defence, and international security to explore the forces shaping the global strategic environment.

As Russia&rsquo;s war in Ukraine grinds into its fifth year, the geopolitical map is shifting in real time. In this episode of The Focus, Dr. John Bruni speaks with Lt. Gen. (ret.) Ben Hodges, former Commanding General of U.S. Army Europe, about the war&rsquo;s trajectory, the future of NATO, and the global ripple effects now shaping the international order. Recorded before the outbreak of U.S.&ndash;Israeli strikes on Iran, this conversation captures the strategic debate at a critical moment &mdash; when tensions were already rising and the world stood on the edge of a wider conflict. The insights remain deeply relevant to understanding what comes next. Whether the conflict ends through negotiation, exhaustion, or escalation, one thing is clear: Ukraine has become the central strategic battleground shaping the 21st-century security order. Show Notes: Topics Discussed &bull; Russia&rsquo;s ability to sustain its war effort in Ukraine after five years of fighting &bull; Whether Moscow still possesses a coherent strategy or is now fighting a war of attrition &bull; The latest realities on the Ukrainian battlefield, including drones, long-range strike systems, and evolving tactics &bull; Europe&rsquo;s growing role in supporting Ukraine and what this means for the future of NATO and the transatlantic alliance &bull; Insights from the Munich Security Conference and the strategic mood among Western policymakers &bull; Russia&rsquo;s shadow fleet and the ongoing effort to disrupt sanctions evasion &bull; The broader geopolitical landscape involving Iran, China, and shifting global power dynamics &bull; The strategic importance of Greenland and the Arctic in future great-power competition
Key Question Is NATO weakening without dominant U.S. leadership &mdash; or evolving into a more balanced alliance where Europe carries greater strategic responsibility?
Guest Lt. Gen. (ret.) Ben Hodges Former Commanding General, U.S. Army Europe Senior strategic analyst on European security and NATO.
Host Dr. John Bruni Founder &amp; CEO, SAGE International Host of The Focus Podcast
About The Focus The Focus Podcast brings together leading thinkers in geopolitics, defence, and international security to explore the forces shaping the global strategic environment.

NATO After 5 Years of the Russia-Ukraine War.

🎙️ Is Australia’s Defence Capability Strong — or Structurally Vulnerable?

Australia talks constantly about defence capability.

But if we can’t build, sustain, and properly crew our own force structure — are we truly sovereign?
In this episode of The Focus, Dr John Bruni speaks with Mel Pikos from Talking Tactics about the real state of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the country’s defence industry base.
This is not a procurement discussion.

It’s a sovereignty discussion.

Show Notes:

Guest: Mel Pikos (Talking Tactics) Host: Dr John Bruni

Australia talks constantly about defence capability — new platforms, AUKUS, procurement announcements.

But are we building sovereign capacity — or managing structural dependence?

In this episode, Dr John Bruni speaks with Mel Pikos from Talking Tactics about the real state of the ADF and Australia’s defence industry base.

We examine:

• Is defence industry effectively a “fourth arm” of the ADF? • Are Australian SMEs central to innovation — or sidelined by foreign primes? • Does supply chain dependence create strategic vulnerability? • Is recruitment weakness creating hollow force risk across Navy, Army and Air Force? 

• Can capability be strengthened without introducing national service?
This conversation moves beyond procurement headlines to the deeper issue of national resilience.
Sovereignty isn’t announced. It’s built.


You can watch Mel’s excellent podcast Talking Tactics here:

https://www.youtube.com/@MelPikos

 

 

🎙️ Is Australia&rsquo;s Defence Capability Strong &mdash; or Structurally Vulnerable?
Australia talks constantly about defence capability.
But if we can&rsquo;t build, sustain, and properly crew our own force structure &mdash; are we truly sovereign? In this episode of The Focus, Dr John Bruni speaks with Mel Pikos from Talking Tactics about the real state of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the country&rsquo;s defence industry base. This is not a procurement discussion.
It&rsquo;s a sovereignty discussion.
Show Notes:
Guest: Mel Pikos (Talking Tactics) Host: Dr John Bruni
Australia talks constantly about defence capability &mdash; new platforms, AUKUS, procurement announcements.
But are we building sovereign capacity &mdash; or managing structural dependence?
In this episode, Dr John Bruni speaks with Mel Pikos from Talking Tactics about the real state of the ADF and Australia&rsquo;s defence industry base.
We examine:
&bull; Is defence industry effectively a &ldquo;fourth arm&rdquo; of the ADF? &bull; Are Australian SMEs central to innovation &mdash; or sidelined by foreign primes? &bull; Does supply chain dependence create strategic vulnerability? &bull; Is recruitment weakness creating hollow force risk across Navy, Army and Air Force? 
&bull; Can capability be strengthened without introducing national service? This conversation moves beyond procurement headlines to the deeper issue of national resilience. Sovereignty isn&rsquo;t announced. It&rsquo;s built.
 You can watch Mel&rsquo;s excellent podcast Talking Tactics here:
https://www.youtube.com/@MelPikos
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

ADF: Boutique Capability or Credible Deterrence?

Is India still a strategic partner of the United States — or is it becoming an independent pole in a rapidly shifting global order?
In this high-level panel discussion, Dr. John Bruni is joined by Lt. General Ravi Shankar (Retd.), former Director General of Artillery of the Indian Army, and Professor Salvatore Babones, political economist at the University of Sydney, to examine India’s evolving role in global geopolitics.

Show Notes

Guests

Lt. General Ravi Shankar (Retd.) is the former Director General of Artillery of the Indian Army and currently serves as Professor of Practice in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Madras. With a distinguished military career spanning decades, he is a respected commentator on India’s defence posture, China–India dynamics, Pakistan, and broader strategic affairs.

The Gunner’s Shot (YouTube Channel): https://www.youtube.com/@gunnersshot 

General Shankar regularly publishes strategic and military analyses through his channel.

Professor Salvatore Babones is a Political Economist and Globalisation Scholar at the University of Sydney. His work focuses on great-power competition, global inequality, and the structural dynamics shaping U.S.–China–India relations.

Recent Books by Salvatore Babones:

The Global Political Economy of the Indo-Pacific (2024)
American Tianxia: Chinese Money, American Power, and the End of History (2023)
The New Authoritarianism: Trump, Populism, and the Tyranny of Experts (2022)

Is India still a strategic partner of the United States &mdash; or is it becoming an independent pole in a rapidly shifting global order? In this high-level panel discussion, Dr. John Bruni is joined by Lt. General Ravi Shankar (Retd.), former Director General of Artillery of the Indian Army, and Professor Salvatore Babones, political economist at the University of Sydney, to examine India&rsquo;s evolving role in global geopolitics.
Show Notes
Guests
Lt. General Ravi Shankar (Retd.) is the former Director General of Artillery of the Indian Army and currently serves as Professor of Practice in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Madras. With a distinguished military career spanning decades, he is a respected commentator on India&rsquo;s defence posture, China&ndash;India dynamics, Pakistan, and broader strategic affairs.
The Gunner&rsquo;s Shot (YouTube Channel): https://www.youtube.com/@gunnersshot&nbsp;
General Shankar regularly publishes strategic and military analyses through his channel.
Professor Salvatore Babones is a Political Economist and Globalisation Scholar at the University of Sydney. His work focuses on great-power competition, global inequality, and the structural dynamics shaping U.S.&ndash;China&ndash;India relations.
Recent Books by Salvatore Babones:
The Global Political Economy of the Indo-Pacific (2024) American Tianxia: Chinese Money, American Power, and the End of History (2023) The New Authoritarianism: Trump, Populism, and the Tyranny of Experts (2022)

India in the Era of Pax Trumpicana

In our second episode for 2026, John is joined by returning guest Professor Scott Lucas to talk about the recent tragic events in the U.S. state of Minnesota.

Show Notes:

Episode Description

From Minneapolis to Washington, D.C., Minnesota has become the epicentre of seismic political conflict — from mass protests to intense debates over immigration enforcement, federal power, and public accountability. We explore how the state’s recent upheavals reflect broader shifts in U.S. political life, and what they reveal about leadership, legitimacy, and the social fabric of American civic life.

About the Guest

Scott Lucas is Professor of International Politics at the Clinton Institute, University College Dublin. He is the founder and editor-in-chief of EA WorldView, a leading site for global political analysis, and a frequent commentator on major international TV and radio outlets.

EA WorldView – https://eaworldview.com/

UCD Clinton Institute – https://www.ucdclinton.ie/

In our second episode for 2026, John is joined by returning guest Professor Scott Lucas to talk about the recent tragic events in the U.S. state of Minnesota.
Show Notes:
Episode Description
From Minneapolis to Washington, D.C., Minnesota has become the epicentre of seismic political conflict &mdash; from mass protests to intense debates over immigration enforcement, federal power, and public accountability. We explore how the state&rsquo;s recent upheavals reflect broader shifts in U.S. political life, and what they reveal about leadership, legitimacy, and the social fabric of American civic life.
About the Guest
Scott Lucas is Professor of International Politics at the Clinton Institute, University College Dublin.&nbsp;He is the&nbsp;founder and editor-in-chief of EA WorldView, a leading site for global political analysis, and a frequent commentator on major international TV and radio outlets.
EA WorldView &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://eaworldview.com/">https://eaworldview.com/</a>
UCD Clinton Institute &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ucdclinton.ie/">https://www.ucdclinton.ie/</a>

The Minnesota Moment

The first episode of The Focus for 2026 opens with a wide-ranging and hard-edged conversation with political theorist and commentator Roy Casagranda.
As global politics enters a period of heightened uncertainty, Dr Bruni and Casagranda examine the strategic, political, and moral pressures shaping the international system — from the Americas to Europe and the Middle East. The discussion explores the return of transactional politics, the limits of moral clarity in foreign policy, and how domestic political shifts are reshaping global decision-making.


This episode sets the tone for The Focus in 2026: analytical, unsentimental, and grounded in strategic reality.

Topics Covered

Transactionalism, power, and the erosion of norms in international affairs
Venezuela, energy politics, and strategic leverage
Europe’s strategic unease and leadership fatigue
Public opinion, populism, and the changing voter landscape
What 2026 reveals about the durability — or fragility — of the global order 

Why This Episode Matters

As governments grapple with overlapping crises — political, economic, and security-related — this conversation cuts through surface-level narratives to examine how power is actually being exercised, justified, and contested.
For policymakers, analysts, and engaged citizens alike, this episode offers a sobering but necessary assessment of where the world is heading.

About the Guest

Roy Casagranda is a political theorist and commentator specialising in political philosophy, leadership, and the intersection of power and morality in modern politics.

The first episode of The Focus for 2026 opens with a wide-ranging and hard-edged conversation with political theorist and commentator Roy Casagranda. As global politics enters a period of heightened uncertainty, Dr Bruni and Casagranda examine the strategic, political, and moral pressures shaping the international system &mdash; from the Americas to Europe and the Middle East. The discussion explores the return of transactional politics, the limits of moral clarity in foreign policy, and how domestic political shifts are reshaping global decision-making.
 This episode sets the tone for The Focus in 2026: analytical, unsentimental, and grounded in strategic reality.
Topics Covered
Transactionalism, power, and the erosion of norms in international affairs Venezuela, energy politics, and strategic leverage Europe&rsquo;s strategic unease and leadership fatigue Public opinion, populism, and the changing voter landscape What 2026 reveals about the durability &mdash; or fragility &mdash; of the global order&nbsp;
Why This Episode Matters
As governments grapple with overlapping crises &mdash; political, economic, and security-related &mdash; this conversation cuts through surface-level narratives to examine how power is actually being exercised, justified, and contested. For policymakers, analysts, and engaged citizens alike, this episode offers a sobering but necessary assessment of where the world is heading.
About the Guest
Roy Casagranda is a political theorist and commentator specialising in political philosophy, leadership, and the intersection of power and morality in modern politics.

Pax Trumpicana

Britain enters 2025 facing economic strain, strategic uncertainty, and intensifying global competition. In this hard-hitting year-end special, Dr John Bruni sits down with former Royal Navy submariner and intelligence specialist CDRE Pat Tyrrell OBE (Ret.), and investigative journalist Pete Warren, for an unfiltered assessment of the UK’s political and strategic direction.

We break down the British Budget, stalled growth, defence underfunding, and the question of whether the UK can still project credible power. We explore Britain’s shifting foreign policy, the war in Ukraine, Russian hybrid provocations, cyber intrusions, and the fragility of European security.

The panel also examines Keir Starmer’s political survival, public fatigue, the rise of the Reform Party, and what Britain must do to avoid strategic drift in 2025.

If you care about the UK’s future — its defence, diplomacy, politics and global role — this is your must-watch end-of-year episode.

Show Notes:

Contact Chris

X: @chrismullinexmp

Website: https://www.chrismullinexmp.com/ 

Books by Chris Mullin - 1982 A Very British Coup 1986, Error of Judgement 2009, A View from the Foothills 2010, Decline & Fall 2011, A Walk-On Part 2016, Hinterland 2019, The Friends of Harry Perkins 2023, Didn’t You Used to be Chris Mullin? 

Contact Pat

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/patrick-tyrrell-3479b6

Articles by Pat - AUKUS: A Tale of Politics, Strategy, and Submarines — published 04 Aug 2022, Crash-Diving into Australia’s Submarine Dilemma — published 13 Jul 2022, Adrift and Rudderless – The Sad Story of SS United Kingdom, Monty Python Politics: A Reflection on the Tumultuous Reign of PM Liz Truss, Nov. 2022, Rip van Winkle and the Age of Complacency, Aug. 2022, A Peace that Dares Not Speak its Name — a co-authored piece (with Dr. John Bruni) June 2022

Bruni, John; Jain, Purnendra; Tyrrell, Patrick J. “Why Australia, the UK and Japan need closer security cooperation.” SAGE International Australia Strategic Concept Paper, 12 August 2020.

Bruni, John; Jain, Purnendra; Tyrrell, Patrick J. “A New Strategic Trilateral of the UK, Australia and Japan?” The Naval Review, vol. 108, no. 4 (2020), pp. 362–368. 

Pat also contributed as part of a larger report for SAGE International Australia, writing sections on the UK and France in a 2020 Indo-Pacific strategic assessment. 

Contact Pete

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/petewarren 

Website: https://www.futureintelligence.co.uk/ 

Books by Pete Warren - AI on Trial – with Mark Deem 2025 (2nd edition), Cyber Crime & Warfare: All That Matters – with Michael Streeter 2013, & Cyber Alert: How the World Is Under Attack from a New Form of Crime – with Michael Streeter 2005.

Britain enters 2025 facing economic strain, strategic uncertainty, and intensifying global competition. In this hard-hitting year-end special, Dr John Bruni sits down with former Royal Navy submariner and intelligence specialist&nbsp;CDRE Pat Tyrrell OBE (Ret.), and investigative journalist&nbsp;Pete Warren, for an unfiltered assessment of the UK&rsquo;s political and strategic direction.
We break down the&nbsp;British Budget, stalled growth, defence underfunding, and the question of whether the UK can still project credible power. We explore Britain&rsquo;s shifting foreign policy, the war in&nbsp;Ukraine, Russian hybrid provocations, cyber intrusions, and the fragility of European security.
The panel also examines&nbsp;Keir Starmer&rsquo;s political survival, public fatigue, the rise of the&nbsp;Reform Party, and what Britain must do to avoid strategic drift in 2025.
If you care about the UK&rsquo;s future &mdash; its defence, diplomacy, politics and global role &mdash; this is your must-watch end-of-year episode.
Show Notes:
Contact Chris
X: @chrismullinexmp
Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTdhWXY3bUNZWnNIek1sQjhnbnZjOTdxc1NiUXxBQ3Jtc0tsRjlXWU5Gano3TEgzWk9Hc2MyVHZ4YTBMdEUzUE45eW05T0tQUkFRYXJxWWlBU056OHNjcTlTRGl2TWJIYkxWalo2VU1fcWptRVdxbXBhQ3hCNHVSM19Ec0tnMlJUYkY5SnZkV0loRHBOXzFIYy16bw&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chrismullinexmp.com%2F&amp;v=e9dU9m40-DU">https://www.chrismullinexmp.com/</a>&nbsp;
Books by Chris Mullin - 1982 A Very British Coup 1986, Error of Judgement 2009, A View from the Foothills 2010, Decline &amp; Fall 2011, A Walk-On Part 2016, Hinterland 2019, The Friends of Harry Perkins 2023, Didn&rsquo;t You Used to be Chris Mullin?&nbsp;
Contact Pat
LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-tyrrell-3479b6">linkedin.com/in/patrick-tyrrell-3479b6</a>
Articles by Pat -&nbsp;AUKUS: A Tale of Politics, Strategy, and Submarines&nbsp;&mdash; published 04 Aug 2022,&nbsp;Crash-Diving into Australia&rsquo;s Submarine Dilemma&nbsp;&mdash; published 13 Jul 2022,&nbsp;Adrift and Rudderless &ndash; The Sad Story of SS United Kingdom,&nbsp;Monty Python Politics: A Reflection on the Tumultuous Reign of PM Liz Truss, Nov. 2022,&nbsp;Rip van Winkle and the Age of Complacency, Aug. 2022,&nbsp;A Peace that Dares Not Speak its Name&nbsp;&mdash; a co-authored piece (with Dr. John Bruni) June 2022
Bruni, John; Jain, Purnendra; Tyrrell, Patrick J.&nbsp;&ldquo;Why Australia, the UK and Japan need closer security cooperation.&rdquo;&nbsp;SAGE International Australia Strategic Concept Paper, 12 August 2020.
Bruni, John; Jain, Purnendra; Tyrrell, Patrick J. &ldquo;A New Strategic Trilateral of the UK, Australia and Japan?&rdquo;&nbsp;The Naval Review, vol. 108, no. 4 (2020), pp. 362&ndash;368.&nbsp;
Pat also&nbsp;contributed as part of a larger report for SAGE International Australia, writing sections on the UK and France in a 2020 Indo-Pacific strategic assessment.&nbsp;
Contact Pete
LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/petewarren">linkedin.com/in/petewarren</a>&nbsp;
Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.futureintelligence.co.uk/">https://www.futureintelligence.co.uk/</a>&nbsp;
Books by Pete Warren -&nbsp;AI on Trial&nbsp;&ndash; with Mark Deem&nbsp;2025 (2nd edition),&nbsp;Cyber Crime &amp; Warfare: All That Matters&nbsp;&ndash; with Michael Streeter&nbsp;2013, &amp;&nbsp;Cyber Alert: How the World Is Under Attack from a New Form of Crime&nbsp;&ndash; with Michael Streeter&nbsp;2005.

Britain in Crisis

Is the climate debate more complex than we’re being told? In this episode of The Focus, Dr John Bruni sits down with Professor Ian Plimer — geologist, author, and one of the most contested voices in Australia’s climate conversation.

Plimer has spent decades arguing that natural geological and planetary processes play a larger role in climate variability than many policymakers acknowledge.
In this extended interview, we explore his arguments, test the evidence, and examine how climate, energy, mining, and geopolitics intersect in ways often overlooked in public debate.

This is not an episode about “right” or “wrong.”

It’s about asking difficult questions, challenging assumptions, and holding space for perspectives that sit outside the mainstream — while keeping the discussion grounded in science, evidence and geopolitics.

Show Notes:

Contact Ian: LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-plimer-391052226?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BS7AtR8iDR5qZ2SE18wOmIw%3D%3D

OpEds:

“The Copenhagen charade” Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) (5 Feb 2020) and “Legislative time bomb” (also 5 Feb 2020). 

“Professor Ian Plimer Launches Climate Change: The Facts 2025 in Perth” Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) (21 Nov 2024) — this is not strictly an op-ed but a release.

Books:

Ian Plimer, Sceptical Always: A View at Three Quarter Time (Redland Bay: Connor Court Publishing, 2025), ISBN 978-1-923568-02-0.

Ian Plimer (ed.), Climate Change: The Facts 2025 (Melbourne: Institute of Public Affairs, 2024).

Is the climate debate more complex than we&rsquo;re being told? In this episode of&nbsp;The Focus, Dr John Bruni sits down with Professor Ian Plimer &mdash; geologist, author, and one of the most contested voices in Australia&rsquo;s climate conversation.
Plimer has spent decades arguing that natural geological and planetary processes play a larger role in climate variability than many policymakers acknowledge. In this extended interview, we explore his arguments, test the evidence, and examine how climate, energy, mining, and geopolitics intersect in ways often overlooked in public debate.
This is not an episode about &ldquo;right&rdquo; or &ldquo;wrong.&rdquo;
It&rsquo;s about asking difficult questions, challenging assumptions, and holding space for perspectives that sit outside the mainstream &mdash; while keeping the discussion grounded in science, evidence and geopolitics.
Show Notes:
Contact Ian: LinkedIn:&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-plimer-391052226?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BS7AtR8iDR5qZ2SE18wOmIw%3D%3D">https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-plimer-391052226?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BS7AtR8iDR5qZ2SE18wOmIw%3D%3D</a>
OpEds:
&ldquo;The Copenhagen charade&rdquo; Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) (5 Feb 2020) and &ldquo;Legislative time bomb&rdquo; (also 5 Feb 2020).&nbsp;
&ldquo;Professor Ian Plimer Launches&nbsp;Climate Change: The Facts 2025 in Perth&rdquo; Institute of Public Affairs (IPA) (21 Nov 2024) &mdash; this is not strictly an op-ed but a release.
Books:
Ian Plimer,&nbsp;Sceptical Always: A View at Three Quarter Time&nbsp;(Redland Bay: Connor Court Publishing, 2025), ISBN 978-1-923568-02-0.
Ian Plimer (ed.),&nbsp;Climate Change: The Facts 2025&nbsp;(Melbourne: Institute of Public Affairs, 2024).

The Geopolitics of Climate Change

The Focus is the flagship current affairs podcast of SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical  think tank.

Hosted by Dr. John Bruni—a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media—The Focus brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for Jane’s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst.

Produced by Neil Smart, The Focus cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.

The Focus&nbsp;is the flagship current affairs podcast of&nbsp;SAGE International, an independent, Adelaide-based geopolitical &nbsp;think tank.
Hosted by&nbsp;Dr. John Bruni&mdash;a veteran geopolitical commentator with over 24 years in the Australian media&mdash;The Focus&nbsp;brings a critical edge to global affairs. John's expertise is built on decades of experience, including time with the&nbsp;Royal United Services Institute of Australia, work as a university lecturer, senatorial foreign affairs adviser, analyst for&nbsp;Jane&rsquo;s Intelligence Review, and Gulf-based military analyst.
Produced by&nbsp;Neil Smart,&nbsp;The Focus&nbsp;cuts through the noise of biased media to deliver sharp, informed insights into the major issues shaping Australia and the world. In an age of global disruption and complexity, knowing which questions to ask is more vital than ever.

The Focus

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