Drawing Ukraine: A discussion with Ella Baron

Drawing Ukraine: A discussion with Ella Baron

Author: Department of War Studies April 2, 2026 Duration: 38:25
In May 2025 Ella Baron, a political cartoonist at The Guardian, travelled to Ukraine to record and reflect on the human impact of war. In collaboration with NGO Médecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), Ella met patients in a rehabilitation centre for war veterans in Cherkasy and a mental health clinic for internally displaced families in Vinnytsia. The Art & Conflict Hub is currently hosting an exhibition of the artwork Ella produced at the Arcade in Bush House until the end of April 2026, exploring the complex marks war leaves on the human body and mind. In this episode of the War Studies Podcast, Ella discusses her work as a political cartoonist and the exhibition "Battles of the Mind" with Dr Henry Redwood, co-convener for the MA in Political and Strategic Communications, and co-lead of the Art and Conflict Hub at the Department for War Studies. Experience "Battles of the Mind" at King’s: https://bit.ly/4m33AIe You can find below the full Guardian article, and links to Ella's socials: https://bit.ly/4m6GQHv X: @ebaroncartoons IG: @ella_baron

Drawn from the work of the School of Security Studies at King's College London, War Studies offers a direct line to one of the world's largest and most dedicated academic communities focused on security, defence, and international relations. This isn't about surface-level headlines; each episode digs into the intricate realities of conflict, diplomacy, and global power. You'll hear scholars and researchers unpack the underlying forces that shape world affairs, moving beyond theory to examine the tangible challenges faced by those navigating these complex spaces. The Department of War Studies produces this podcast to share its world-leading research, treating each conversation as an opportunity to question assumptions and deepen understanding. Tuning in means engaging with rigorous analysis that connects academic insight to the pressing security issues of our time. The consistent thread is a belief that examining the nature of war is essential for comprehending the broader landscape of human conflict and cooperation. Expect thoughtful, evidence-driven discussions that refuse to simplify the difficult questions.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

War Studies
Podcast Episodes
Wargaming: Playing out uncertainty with Dr David Banks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:18
Wargaming has surged in popularity in recent years, drawing substantial financial backing from militaries, governments and the private sector alike. But what are wargames and how are they being used within the defence in…
Israel and conflict memory in Lebanon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:53
Series: Breaking Cycles of Conflict As the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate, Dr Craig Larkin and Bronte Philips reflect on what this means for the people of Lebanon. They explore how the escala…
Violent extremism and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:37
Tens of thousands of children currently live in dire conditions in Al Hol camp in Syria – and there are concerns this makes them vulnerable to radicalisation and recruitment. But what is the evidence behind this? Caterin…
Translating the stories of conflict-affected populations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:01
A translator’s job is to take something in one language and convert it to another – but when you’re translating the stories of people affected by conflict, how do you ensure your own feelings don’t get in the way? In thi…
Addressing male conflict trauma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:44
Content warning: This episode contains mentions of sexual violence, self-harm, and suicide. Series: Breaking Cycles of Conflict Dr Heidi Riley and Beth Heron discuss their research into conflict trauma in men and boys, e…
Growing up in violent extremist families [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:52
Series: Breaking Cycles of Conflict "Imagine that dad is a neo-Nazi, mum has joined a jihadist group" As governments across Europe face the challenge of reintegrating returnees from Iraq and Syria, Dr Joana Cook examines…
Reconciliation and reconstruction in post-conflict Iraq [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:08
Series: Breaking Cycles of Conflict "Let’s imagine tomorrow Mosul is brick by brick exactly what it was like before ISIS took over – the city has still fundamentally changed." In this episode, Dr Craig Larkin, Dr Inna Ru…