The Cityforum Podcast

This Cityforum Cyber Security podcast is introduced by Mike Steinmetz former State Cyber Security Officer and Homeland Security Adviser Rhode Island; Senior Adviser Cityforum. The podcast follows on from the recent Cityforum Cyber Security Summit, which took place on 19 September. Cityforum is very grateful to our three expert guest speakers:

• Mr George Barnes former Deputy Director NSA
• Ms Elisabeth Braw Author Goodbye Globalization’; Member M&C Saatchi's Advisory Council; Senior Fellow Atlantic Council Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security
• The Hon James Langevin Former Congressman Rhode Island

This podcast discussion explores the evolving cybersecurity landscape, emphasising the rise of ransomware, supply chain attacks, and the role of artificial intelligence. The conversation also touches on the skills gap, advocating for diverse training paths and leveraging alternative routes into cyber roles.
For more information about Cityforum please visit www.cityforum.co.uk

Fake news, disinformation and distortion seem to be everywhere. Is this the end of civilisation? How much does it all matter and what can we do about it?
Listen to this podcast discussion involving:
Carl Miller, Research Director at DEMOS and Author of ‘The Death of the Gods: The New Global Power Grab’
Bret Schafer, Media and Digital Disinformation Fellow, Alliance for Securing Democracy, German Marshall Fund
Angela Saini, Science writer who has been awarded the LA Times and Foyles book prizes
Discussion moderated by Mr Stephen Hawker, Senior Associate Cityforum
This podcast forms part of CityForum's Intelligent Defence Series ' Global Britain - Polarisation, Grey Zone & Hybrid Conflict'. Find out more at www.cityforum.co.uk

This conversation on national strategy and understanding the role and value of armed force coincides with the publication of maximising smart power and public value, the latest report by city forum in its intelligent defence series, The report covers many, many themes in the current international security and defence debate. And there's in that respect ought to be of interest to everybody really, who's involved in those issues in the media and politics and academia and so on. But it should be of a special interest to those who are to be involved in the impending UK national security and defence review.

In this inaugural episode of 2024, Cityforum and Defence Eye delve into the implications of the recent General Election on UK defence policy. Our expert panel, featuring Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Blackham, Francis Tusa, and Tim Ripley, examines the urgent need for defence reform, the challenges of military modernisation, and the potential shifts in strategic priorities under the new government. From funding issues to force structure debates, we analyse what lies ahead for Britain's armed forces in an era of global uncertainty.
Show Notes

00:00 - Introduction and overview of the post-election defence landscape

02:45 - Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Blackham introduces his paper "Defence in a Dangerous World"

07:53 - Discussion on overcoming bureaucratic inertia in defence reform

15:45 - Analysis of the new government's approach to defence spending and priorities

25:38 - Debate on the need for a new national service or conscription model

35:00 - Examination of the defence industry's role and challenges

45:00 - Discussion on improving sustainability and support for existing forces

55:19 - Concluding thoughts and key priorities for the new government

Participants

Vice Admiral Sir Jeremy Joe Blackham, KCB

Sir Jeremy Blackham is a retired Royal Navy officer who served as Deputy Commander-in-Chief Fleet. With a naval career spanning from 1961 to 2002, he held various senior positions including Director of Naval Plans at the Ministry of Defence and Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Equipment Capability). Post-retirement, he became the editor of The Naval Review and has been a vocal commentator on defence issues. Jeremy is a Cityforum Associate.

Francis Tusa

Francis Tusa is a Co-Editor of Defence Eye - the new online platform for UK Defence News. Francis is a seasoned defence journalist and analyst with over 35 years of experience. He founded Defence Analysis, a newsletter providing comprehensive data and analysis on defence budgets and global markets. Tusa regularly contributes to major publications and media outlets, offering insights on UK and international defence matters.

Tim Ripley

Tim Ripley is a Co-Editor of Defence Eye - the new online platform for UK Defence News. Tim is a veteran defence journalist with over 30 years of experience covering British defence issues. He has authored more than 20 books on defence technology and military history. Ripley's expertise spans UK defence policy, procurement, and operations, making him a respected figure in defence journalism.

Follow Defence Policy at www.cityforum.co.uk and www.defenceeye.co.uk

Tags and Categories

Categories: News & Politics, Government, Military

Tags: UK Defence, Military Reform, Post-Election Analysi