Battleground

In this episode of Hero or Villain, Roger Moorhouse and Patrick Bishop examine the polarising military legacy of Tony Blair. They debate whether the former Prime Minister was a noble champion of "liberal interventionism" or a reckless architect of regional chaos. The discussion moves from the early humanitarian successes in Kosovo and Sierra Leone to the strategic overreach of Afghanistan and the catastrophic intelligence failures of the Iraq War. By weighing Blair’s initial moral imperatives against the long-term destabilisation of the Middle East, Roger and Patrick attempt to settle the ledger on one of modern history's most disputed figures. What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain? Cast Your Vote! Join the debate and cast your vote on Tony Blair: https://forms.gle/w75h5XcuGx9iaswe6 If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a now annual Battleground tradition, for a special Christmas treat we've recorded a special festive episode discussing the standout history books of the year, and the wider stories that surround them. Patrick, Saul and Roger are joined by friends of the podcast - publicist and historical novelist Richard Foreman and book critic, writer and journalist Antonia Senior. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this pivotal episode of Battleground: Ukraine, Patrick Bishop and Saul David discuss the high-stakes EU summit in Brussels that could decide the financial future of the conflict. With Kyiv facing potential bankruptcy by the spring, the hosts break down the urgent debate over seizing €210 billion in frozen Russian assets to fund a "reparations loan." We also look at the latest from the front lines and are joined by the Public Affairs Officer at the Khartiia Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine - Volodymyr Dehtyarov for an exclusive update on their recent successful counteroffensive in the Kupyansk area, showcasing the hi-tech warfare and grit that continues to define the Ukrainian defence on the ground. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest episode of our Hero or Villain series hosts Patrick Bishop and Roger Morehouse ask the ultimate question about one of the 20th century's most controversial figures: Was Charles de Gaulle a hero or a villain? De Gaulle remains a giant of French and world history, looming over his nation's political landscape and physical fabric, with over 3,600 public spaces named after him. He is regularly polled as the most important figure in French history, even surpassing Napoleon. Join the debate as Patrick and Roger delve into the General's life and legacy, exploring the pivotal role he played in the Second World War and analyzing what might have happened to a post-war France without his unifying presence. Hear the arguments, weigh the evidence, and decide where this controversial figure truly falls on the ledger. What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain? Cast Your Vote! Join the debate and cast your vote on Charles de Gaulle: https://forms.gle/y7ubNDSBjysvNyKX7 If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us as Saul David and Roger Moorhouse digest the latest news from Ukraine, including the intense pressure mounting on Kyiv as the Trump administration reportedly issues an ultimatum to Zelensky to concede territory—likely the Donbas—to end the war. Despite this, they look at analysis that shows that Ukraine can win a protracted war of attrition against Russia's exaggerated claims of victory. We are also delighted to be joined by friend of the show Boldi Gyori, who updates us on the latest developments on the ground in Ukraine and also discusses his recent experience behind the front line with Ukrainian electricity repairmen. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices