Following the NATO summit in Ankara, American allies face an uncomfortable question – can they still rely on Washington to lead?

Donald Trump is demanding more from Europe, NATO is trying to adapt and countries like Britain must decide whether to step up or become spectators in a world shaped by others.

This week, John Bew joins The General & The Journalist to discuss NATO, Donald Trump, Britain's defence strategy and the future of transatlantic security. Drawing on his experience advising four UK prime ministers, he explains what the summit means for UK national security, military spending, foreign policy, and Britain's role in a changing world.

Should NATO be trying to keep the US on board or should they plan for a future without their support? Get in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk

Guest: John Bew, Professor of History and Foreign Policy at the Department of War Studies, King's College London

Hosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton Dunn

Producer: Julia Webster

Executive producer: Priyanka Deladia

Image: Getty

Clips: Reuters, CBS News, Simon Walker/No 10 Downing Street

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Britain says its long-awaited Defence Investment Plan will strengthen its role in NATO. But after months of delays, funding rows and warnings from allies, does the money go far enough?

Admiral Sir Keith Blount, the former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe at NATO, joins Tom and Patrick to assess what the plan gets right, where it falls short and why Britain risks losing influence in the alliance if it fails to deliver.

As NATO leaders prepare to gather in Ankara next week – with Russia threatening Europe, Donald Trump demanding more from the alliance, and countries such as Poland, Denmark and Germany moving faster on defence – is Britain still leading NATO or falling behind?

Do you think the government has sufficiently funded UK defence? Get in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk

Guest: Admiral Sir Keith Blount, former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe to NATO

Hosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton Dunn

Producer: Julia Webster

Executive producer: Priyanka Deladia

Image: Getty, Dana Chan

Clips: Reuters, Forbes, Sky

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For The General & The Journalist’s first anniversary, Tom and Patrick return to the question at the heart of the podcast – is the world becoming more dangerous?

Recorded live at the Nevill Holt Festival, they look at Ukraine’s fightback, Putin’s next moves, the Iran ceasefire, China’s advantage, the threat to Taiwan and the crisis in Britain’s defences. Patrick warns that we may be entering a new Cold War and Tom asks whether Britain is moving fast enough to protect itself.

Hosts: General Sir Patrick Sanders and Tom Newton Dunn

Producer: Julia Webster

Executive producer: Priyanka Deladia

Image: William Blakesley-Herbert

What are your thoughts on the state of British defence spending? Get in touch: generalandjournalist@thetimes.co.uk

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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