War Stories, Episode 1: A British Infantry Officer in Afghanistan, 2007

War Stories, Episode 1: A British Infantry Officer in Afghanistan, 2007

Author: Department of War Studies March 26, 2026 Duration: 1:26:03
In the inaugural edition of the War Studies War Stories podcast series, hosted by King’s alumni Rupert Lane and Nick Denning (War Studies, 2002-2005), Ru and Nick briefly explain what they’re looking to achieve in this series, through the use of King’s own unique resource - its alumni and their experience of war (built on King’s War Studies ‘Experience of War’ module). Ru and Nick then take a deep dive into the life of a Platoon Commander in the high intensity counter-insurgency conflict in Helmand, Afghanistan, 2007, through the eyes of co-host Nick’s own experiences, serving with the Royal Anglian Regiment in Nowzad. Ru delves into the challenges Nick’s unit faced fighting the Taliban in the Afghan summer covering the experience of warfare, through tactics, morale and combat, working in a hostile environment with a civilian population just trying to survive. Further Reading • News clip: https://youtu.be/hTH0yMuc3pQ?si=c2jC_nz2vF6Ck4_v • Press: https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2007/aug/05/military.afghanistan • Podcast 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/961057/episodes/16085942-afghanistan-nick-denning-royal-anglian-regiment-you-want-to-feel-worn-in-and-seasoned-and-up-to-speed-as-quickly-as-you-can • Podcast 2: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nick-denning-captain-royal-anglian-regiment/id1799202777?i=1000710546820

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
China, India and the USA’s different approaches to climate security [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:57
The three major powers at the centre of COP26 - China, India and the USA, have differing perspectives on the link between climate and security. Yet how does this impact their climate policy? What are the drivers behind t…
Drivers and obstacles of the UN Climate Change Agenda [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:53
What's the UN's role in addressing the security risks of climate change? And what are the obstacles faced by UN bodies in meeting these challenges? In the second episode of this five-part mini-series on Climate Change an…
Government responses to climate change and national security [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:16
Throughout October and November we're bringing you the special podcast mini-series ‘Climate Change and National Security’, in the run up to the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), hosted by the Environ…
A new approach to peacebuilding with Severine Autesserre [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:52
Billions of dollars are spent every year on pacifying conflict zones by international organisations and NGOs. However, the past five years have seen the worst refugee crisis in the world since World War II, and conflicts…