Episode description

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine raises the question: could Vladimir Putin attack Nato’s eastern flank? The alliance is greatly increasing its defences all along this “New Iron Curtain”.

The New Statesman’s writer-at-large Jeremy Cliffe has been reporting from Estonia, where the UK has doubled its military presence. He speaks to Emily Tamkin in Washington DC and Ido Vock in Berlin about the evolution of Nato since the end of the Cold War and how it has changed since the Russian invasion. 

Meanwhile, Joe Biden delivered a speech in Warsaw on Saturday (26 March) to reassure Ukrainians and Nato of his continued commitment. The team discuss whether it marks a permanent shift in Washington’s foreign policy agenda or if attention will return once more to China.

Then in You Ask Us, a listener asks if the presence of Syrian fighters in Ukraine and the potential presence of Belarusian troops changes the balance with regards to foreign intervention in the war. 

If you have a question for You Ask Us, email podcasts@newstatesman.co.uk.

Podcast listeners can get a special discount on subscriptions to the New Statesman. Visit www.newstatesman.com/podcastoffer to subscribe for 12 weeks for just £1 a week.

Further reading:

Emily Tamkin on Joe Biden’s ad-lib and the limit of words.

Jeremy Cliffe on the new Iron Curtain.

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