Centring Human Security at the National Level

As the dust settles from a highly consequential General Election, we wrap up our 'Paths out of polycrisis' pod series by reflecting on the expert views we’ve heard on some of the pressing global challenges confronting the UK – and asking what ideas should rise to the top when a new government sets its course on security matters. With guests Natalie Samarasinghe (former global director of advocacy at Open Society Foundations and CEO of United Nations Association - UK) plus Rethinking Security's Coordinator, Richard Reeve.

In this episode, Larry is joined by Dr Duncan Green current professor at LSE and author of 'How Change Happens' and Nudhara Yusuf the Executive Coordinator of the Global Governance Innovation Network, to discuss the UK's role in this more violent, polarised and repressive world. Listen to the conversation which focuses on a more positive approach to what the UK could be doing and how the UK might go about trying to build trust and partnership on key global challenges.

In this episode, Larry is joined by Livvy Hanks (Olivia) Coordinator of the Parliamentary effort to promote the Green New Deal and Stuart Parkinson the Executive Director of Scientists for Global Responsibility. They explore the recent warnings over the likelihood of reaching the ‘Earth System Tipping Points’ and what a country like the UK can and should be doing in response.  Remember to send your thoughts and questions via X, Facebook, Linkedin or email us at [email protected] 

In this episode, Larry is joined by Ruben Andersson, professor of social anthropology at Oxford University who works on security, migration, borders and related topics and Fiona B Adamson, Professor of International Relations at SOAS with research interests in the international politics of migration, mobility and diaspora. They examine the current state of migration and whether UK/European policy and politics on migration have been successful or a self-reinforcing failure. Find out their views and more on this episode.

In this episode, Larry is joined by Isabel Hilton⁠, a distinguished journalist, broadcaster, visiting professor at King’s College London, contributing editor at Prospect Magazine and founder of China Dialogue; They will ask why the UK is putting so much into this region at present, how well the UK is balancing cooperation, competition and containment in its relations with an increasingly powerful China, and how to navigate security risks when doing so. You can keep up to date with all things Rethinking Security at https://rethinkingsecurity.org.uk/

In this episode, the focus turns to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the potential paths away from confrontation with Russia towards sustainable security across Eurasia. Featuring insightful discussions with two esteemed guests: Professor Caroline Kennedy-Pipe, an expert on Russia, the Cold War, and its legacies, and Anatol Lieven, the director of the Eurasia Program at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. The conversation delves into the pressing need to end the war in Ukraine and explores the diplomatic avenues that could lead to a lasting settlement.

In this episode, Larry speaks to Jordan Street, Senior Policy & Advocacy Lead for Saferworld and Lee Jarvis, professor of International Politics at Loughborough University, about the war on terror. They reflect on UK policy responses to terror threats, in Iraq and Afghanistan and how they have evolved. What "new" threats should the UK be worrying about? How do recent conflicts shape UK policy foreign policy? Hear this and more on this week's episode.

Welcome to the second series of the 'Rethinking Security Podcast - Paths out of Polycrisis' Hosted by Larry Attree, an expert on international peace and security issues, he explores the intersecting global challenges confronting the UK. In this first episode, Larry is joined by Dr Hillary Briffa, Lecturer in National Security Studies and the Assistant Director of the Centre for Defence Studies at King's College London, and Dr Victoria Basham, Professor of International Relations and Head of Politics and International Relations at Cardiff University, to discuss the range of challenges facing the UK. With a focus on the government's Integrated reviews (and refreshes) and what security areas have been overlooked. Listen to this episode to get an overview of what the series is about, and an insight into recent government security policy and its effectiveness.

In this final episode of the Centring Human Security Series, we are joined by Richard Reeve (Coordinator of Rethinking Security) and Anna Sundstrom (Olof Palme International Centre). The conversation explored what centring human security ideas might look like, instead of continuing to prioritise ‘national security’, across a number of issues that are often a source of insecurity for some or most ordinary people—answering questions like 'how can changes be made to national policies or strategies that meet the security needs of people and planet?' Olof Palme 2022 report  Webinar series - Reclaiming Security

In this episode, Jo is joined by Lynne Tami (Aye Right) and Layla Aitlhadj (Prevent Watch) who discuss the human rights challenges faced by specific minority groups. Focusing on the Gypsy, Roma, Traveller and Muslim communities, we hear how recent legislation has impacted these communities and what security looks like for them. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook - You can also sign up for our newsletter here, to keep informed about Rethinking Security's updates