Explorations on War - Episode 2, with Prof John Mearsheimer

Explorations on War - Episode 2, with Prof John Mearsheimer

Author: Centre for Geopolitics October 13, 2025 Duration: 42:38

Joined by John Mearsheimer, R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, we explore the strategic dynamics of security competition between states and how they seek to mitigate the distinct threat that war poses to their survival.


Stepping beyond the headlines and soundbites, On Geopolitics offers a deeper, more considered look at the forces shaping our world. Produced by the Centre for Geopolitics, this podcast is now guided by two distinct academic voices. Professor John Nilsson-Wright leads "Currents," a series of timely conversations that bring together experts from government, business, science, and journalism to dissect the most pressing international events as they unfold. In parallel, Professor William Hurst curates "Explorations," dedicating extended episodes to foundational ideas and historical patterns that underpin global affairs, providing crucial context for today's complexities. Together, these formats create a rich dialogue that connects immediate crises to their deeper roots. Tuning into this podcast means moving past superficial analysis to engage with nuanced perspectives on power, history, and strategy, all grounded in rigorous thought and diverse expertise. It’s for anyone who feels that understanding the world requires more than a daily news update, seeking instead a sustained inquiry into how nations interact, compete, and coexist. Each episode, whether focused on a breaking development or a perennial theme, is built to inform and challenge, making sense of a disordered global landscape through thoughtful discussion.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 85

On Geopolitics
Podcast Episodes
Explorations on War - Episode 10, with Peter Trubowitz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:45
Professor William Hurst is joined by Peter Trubowtiz, Professor of International Relations and Director of the Phelan US Centre at the London School of Economics. They discuss liberal versus realist approaches to war. Th…
Explorations on War - Episode 9, with Caroline Baxter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:44
Professor William Hurst is joined by Caroline Baxter, Director of the Converging Risks Lab at the Council on Strategic Risks and former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Education and Training within the Un…
Explorations on War - Episode 8, with Prof Ian Hurd [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:13
Professor William Hurst is joined by Ian Hurd, Professor of Political Science and President of the Faculty Senate at Northwestern University. They discuss how norms, laws and expectations can prevent and impact wars. The…
Explorations on War - Episode 7, with Dr Lauren Sukin [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:08
Professor William Hurst is joined by Dr Lauren Sukin, the John G. Winant Associate Professor in US Foreign Policy in the Department of Politics and International Relations at the University of Oxford. They discuss the pr…
Explorations on War - Episode 6, with Prof Jack Snyder [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:58
Professor William Hurst is joined by Jack Snyder, the Robert and Renée Belfer Professor of International Relations at Columbia University, to discuss confrontational diplomacy and its unintended consequences, particularl…
Explorations on War - Episode 5, with Dr Victoria Vdovychenko [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:57
Professor William Hurst is joined by Dr Victoria Vdovychenko, Joint Programme Leader at the Centre's Future of Ukraine Programme, to discuss how, whilst fighting for its sovereignty amidst Russia's full-scale invasion, U…
Explorations on War - Episode 4, with Lt Gen Doug Chalmers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:44
Former British Army officer Lieutenant General Doug Chalmers — who served as Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Military Strategy & Operations) from 2018 to 2021, and is the current Master of Emmanuel College, Cambridge…
Explorations on War - Episode 3, with Lt Gen Doug Chalmers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:15
Professor William Hurst and Lieutenant General Doug Chalmers, former British Army officer who served as Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Military Strategy & Operations) from 2018 to 2021, and current Master of Emmanuel…
Explorations on War - Episode 1, with Prof William Hurst [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:43
Our first Explorations series takes a deeper dive into the subject of war. In this introductory episode, we begin by tracing the history of war as a concept, from ancient poetry, tragedy, and philosophy through to contem…