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Behind The Lines with Arthur Snell

Arthur Snell

Behind the Lines with Arthur Snell is a geopolitics podcast. Every week we give the listener access to the best informed people to help you understand this turbulent world and get a feel for the things that will matter in the future.

I am on Bluesky here and you can read some of my thoughts on world affairs here https://arthursnell.substack.com/

If you enjoyed this podcast please spread the word and give us a positive review - it makes all the difference! I don't have a special subscriber tier for this content, but if you would like to support this work, please buy me a coffee ko-fi.com/snellarthur

NEW: we get a lot of great writers on the show. With that in mind, I have set up a Bookshop.org linked account. If you'd like to buy any of the books discussed on the podcast, click here and you'll be able to support both the podcast and independent bookshops as you do so.

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October 5 · 54 min
Deep Connections: Kaja Bego on the undersea cables that underpin the global economy.
Katja Bego is a researcher at Chatham House and an expert on undersea cables. https://www.chathamhouse.org/about-us/our-people/katja-bego f you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 23 · 40 min
Banned from Britain: One Man's Migration Story
Garth St Clair is a military veteran, former drug addict and - for the past few decades - a tireless worker and campaigner in the field of drug demand reduction. In his native Trinidad and Tobago he is a well-known figure and in more recent years he has worked extensively with law enforcement from a variety of countries, notably the UK. All this came to an end when he was banned from entering the UK under new, stricter immigration rules. A man who has dedicated much of his life to supporting our laws and institutions is now targeted by them. Here's his story. Find Garth's work here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVIxSZ9Q5kfmnnsoIbxbQKg If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠ Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 17 · 49 min
The Houthis Strike Back - Iona Craig on the Red Sea and the Crisis in World Energy Markets
Follow Iona Craig on Bluesky here https://bsky.app/profile/ionacraig.com Her latest reporting on UK complicity in US war crimes is here: https://www.declassifieduk.org/starmer-complicit-in-trumps-yemen-massacre/ If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠ Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 1 · 49 min
When the bad guys start using AI: David Wells on counter terrorism and AI
If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 3 · 54 min
Bytes and Bullets: Steve Feldstein on how tech is reshaping modern warfare
Steve Feldstein is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment and an expert on how technology is transforming warfare. If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 14 · 36 min
Ukraine update: deep strikes on Russian oil and a shifting US position
I caught up with Kyiv-based correspondent Jimmy Rushton to discuss the latest in Ukraine and Russia as the NATO summit met and Trump appeared to have moderated his anti-Ukrainian stance (for now, at least). If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 7 · 43 min
International maritime policy: how far can a country control the seas?
Most of the times, the control of the seas empowers countries, logistically and economically, as well demontrated from Iran which now controls the strait of Hormuz. To discuss this further I spoke to Dr Ian Ralby, an American lawyer specialised in maritime affairs. If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 30 · 1 hr 14 min
Geopolitical Panel Discussion in Aid of Syrian Refugees
I was delighted to be invited by Will Wintercross of the Syrian Refugee Relief Fund to participate in a panel on geopolitics with Hannah Lucinda Smith, a distinguished foreign correspondent and author of the recent book, Hinterlands. If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
S1 · E13
June 23 · 1 hr 1 min
10-year anniversary: an optimistic take - The UK's Long March back to Europe?
Rejoining: How Britain Might Come Home, with Mike Galsworthy
June 17 · 1 hr
BTL Exclusive: George Osborn on how authoritarians are exploiting the world of video games to geopolitical advantage.
It was my pleasure to speak to George Osborn, expert on video games, about how this artform, which is used by over 3 billion people worldwide, has been weaponised and exploited by extremists, populists and authoritarians. I confess to knowing nothing about video games, but found this whole subject fascinating and I hope you do too. If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 11 · 42 min
EMERGENCY EPISODE: the resignation of John Healey
I spoke to Dr Frank Ledwidge, former serviceman and defence expert about the resignation of John Healey. Recorded on 11 June just after the announcement of Healey's resignation, we analysed the state of Britain's armed forces and what to make of this news. If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 9 · 42 min
Iran Special: Is a deal about to be signed? Charlie Gammell on the future for the Islamic Republic and the Region
Can Donald Trump find a way out of the mess he's made for himself in Iran? Is the Islamic Republic doomed? Who's in charge in Tehran? Charlie Gammell, Iran expert and historian answers these and many more questions in this fascinating interview recorded in the morning of 9 June 2026. If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 4 · 41 min
The Latest from Ukraine - is the tide turning?
As Russia faces embarrassment and humiliation with the St Petersburg Economic Forum taking place against a backdrop of plumes of smoke from burning oil refineries, Ukraine has been bracing against huge Russian air-raids targeting Kyiv. Nonetheless, Ukraine seems to be gaining an upper hand, with Russia unable to make progress and struggling to mobilise troops in the face of enormous casualties. To discuss all of this it was my pleasure to speak to long-term Kyiv-based correspondent Euan MacDonald. Follow him here: https://bsky.app/profile/euanmacdonald.bsky.social If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 26 · 53 min
Hinterlands: Europe's Unfinished Frontiers, with Hannah Lucinda Smith
Long before Putin's invasion of Ukraine, conflict was simmering on Europe's borders. In overlooked territories in eastern Europe, the eastern Mediterranean and the Caucasus - from the Balkans and Cyprus to Abkhazia on the fringes of Georgia - local disputes spiral into regional crises, global alliances are forged and broken, and power is brokered while the West looks elsewhere. In Hinterlands, acclaimed correspondent Hannah Lucinda Smith draws on vivid first-hand encounters with politicians, spies and ordinary people caught in the crosshairs to paint a gripping portrait of Europe at its edges - and the struggles that will define its future. If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 25 · 59 min
BANK HOLIDAY SPECIAL: the King's troublesome younger brother
Imagine, if you can, a king with two younger brothers. One of them, the youngest, is hardworking and loyal, a little dull, but always shows up when needed. The middle brother is flamboyant, egotistical, entitled, unreliable and capable of great cruelty and abusive behaviour. After putting up with this for perhaps longer than might be expected, eventually the Crown loses patience and the law takes its course. This is, of course, the story of George, Duke of Clarence, the wayward brother of Edward IV, who lived from 1448 to 1479 when he was executed by being drowned in a butt of Malmsey wine. His bones are stored in a vault in Tewkesbury Abbey in Gloucestershire. For a bank holiday special episode of this podcast I spoke to Professor James Clark of the University of Exeter about the Duke of Clarence and the strange resonances with the modern day. If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 12 · 38 min
Syria: Is the new government in league with Jihadists?
The new government of Syria, led since last year by former Al-Qaida commander Ahmad Al-Shara'a is allegedly a pragmatic, multifaith movement righting the wrongs of the Assad era. But might it be a front for more extreme jihadist elements? The escape of thousands of Islamic State militants under the noses of Al-Shara'a's forces points to a lack of concern at the very least. To discuss this I was delighted to be joined by Syria expert Kelly Kassis. If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 6 · 42 min
The Iran War - the Impact on the Gulf Countries
Why did the UAE announce its departure from OPEC? What does this have to do with the Iran war, relations with Saudi Arabia and Israel and the role of the United States? To answer these questions and more, I spoke to Michael Stephens, RUSI Middle East expert and Gulf affairs specialist. If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
April 29 · 1 hr 23 min
Iran and the West - from Crassus to crass US
As an ancient imperial civilisation, Iran (or, to use an earlier name, Persia) has had a complex relationship with the West from the Roman era to the present day. I spoke to historian James Barr about this long and winding road. You can find James on Bluesky and his website, with details of his books, is here: https://historythatmatters.org If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
April 22 · 42 min
Cuba - will Trump have the "honor" of taking it?
Away from the war with Iran, Trump and many of his associates have been talking about bringing an end to the communist regime in Cuba. To discuss this further I spoke to Nicolas Forsans who is author of the excellent Substack sinfiltroya.substack.com which focuses on Latin America. If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
April 14 · 46 min
Ukraine, solidarity and the war to stop Europe from burning
Please follow my guest Sian Norris's work at https://sianushka.substack.com⁠ and on Bluesky. She mentioned Save Ukraine and the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign. If you would like to support this podcast please consider taking out a paid subscription to my Substack arthursnell.substack.com or if you don't want the hassle of a subscription you can buy me a coffee! ko-fi.com/snellarthur If you want to buy any of the books talked about in this show, please support independent bookshops by using Bookshop.org with this link: ⁠https://uk.bookshop.org/shop/behindthelines⁠ Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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