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The Red Line

@theredline.bsky.social
635 followers 83 following 87 posts

A deep-dive geopolitics and security podcast bringing you expert analysis of the conflicts and calculations shaping our world. Hosted by Michael Hilliard

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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
NEW EPISODE >> COULD EUROPE DEFEND ITSELF WITHOUT THE US? As relations between Washington and Europe become increasingly uncertain, many are asking whether the continent could actually defend itself if the United States were to pull back from Europe? www.theredlinepodcast.com/post/could-e...
theredlinepodcast.com
Could Europe Defend Itself Without the US?
With Washington’s commitment to Europe now in doubt, NATO’s Baltic flank faces a brutal question: could Europe stop Russia without the US operating system at its centre? We examine the command gaps, r...
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
With all the renewed talk about the Falklands. 1. ARG doesn't have the naval capacity to be able to take and hold them like they did in the 80's. 2. The UK still keeps a force ready to counter this (even though they probably should have been diverted to the Pacific years ago)
theredlinepodcast.com
Episode 110. Wargaming: Argentina Reinvades the Falklands
Argentina's incoming president has vowed to reclaim Falklands, but how likely is an actual invasion of the Falklands?
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
NEW EPISODE >> THE MIDDLE CORRIDOR: REALITY VS. RHETORIC We examine the facts, figures, and infrastructure behind the Middle Corridor, and assess its economic and geopolitical viability across Central Asia, China, and the Caucasus. www.theredlinepodcast.com/post/the-mid...
theredlinepodcast.com
The Middle Corridor: Reality Vs. Rhetoric
As Russia’s war and maritime insecurity disrupt old trade routes, the Middle Corridor has emerged as Eurasia’s strategic alternative. But can it ever compete on price, speed and reliability? This epis...
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
NEW EPISODE >> HOW IMPORTANT ARE STRATEGIC BOMBERS IN 2025? Russia, China, and the US, are all now racing to modernise their strategic bomber fleets, but what is each side prioritising, and when will these next-gen aircraft enter service? www.theredlinepodcast.com/post/how-imp...
theredlinepodcast.com
How Important are Strategic Bombers in 2025?
Once central to WWII victory and Cold War deterrence, strategic bombers remain vital for the US, Russia, and China. From precision strikes to missile salvos and secondary strike roles, each employs th...
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
NEXT EPISODE CLUE >> >> Below is a map of their bases >> USA/RUS/CHI = Currently have them >> FRA/UK/UA/KAZ/EGY/IRQ = Used to have them >> These platforms saw a lot more use during WW2 Any guesses?
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 16/08/2025
AUGUST LIVESTREAM >> WARGAMING: A CHINESE INVASION OF TAIWAN (2025 UPDATE) KICKING OFF IN 45 MINUTES!! ⏰⏰ theredlinepodcast.com/discord
theredlinepodcast.com
Join the The Red Line Discord Server!
Check out the The Red Line community on Discord – hang out with 398 other members and enjoy free voice and text chat.
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
AUGUST LIVESTREAM >> WARGAMING: A CHINESE INVASION OF TAIWAN (2025 UPDATE) A 2+ hour analysis of the invasion plans, probability of success, and the shift in political calculus currently underway. Via Zoom and Discord SAT 16TH AUGUST - 1500 (DC Time) - 2000 (UK Time)
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
NEW EPISODE >> WARGAMING: A TURKISH INVASION OF CYPRUS As Turkey takes on a more assertive role in the Eastern Med, questions are being raised about Cyprus and what a renewed conflict might look like today. Could the Republic be defended? www.theredlinepodcast.com/post/wargami...
theredlinepodcast.com
Wargaming: A Turkish Invasion of Cyprus
With Cyprus having now been divided for decades, and Turkey growing ever more assertive in the region, we bring together experts to examine Ankara’s position on the island, the potential consequences ...
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
NEXT EPISODE CLUE: > Not landlocked > 3 colours on the flag > Has troops from India, Russia, Turkey, the US and UK, deployed within the country > However, 1 of those states recognises very different borders for the state > Uses RU-made tanks > Previously had a land border with the EU Any guesses?
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
UPCOMING SPACE >> COMPARING DRONE DOCTRINES ACROSS THEATRES MONDAY 30th JUNE - 0900 (DC Time) With special guests: - Samuel Bendett (‪@sambendett.bsky.social‬) - Tom Mutch (Author of "The Dogs of Mariupol") - Candace Rondeaux (‪@candacerondeaux.bsky.social‬)
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
NEXT EPISODE CLUE >> - Has stars and stripes on the flag - 3 colours on the flag, including red and white - Only borders 2 nations - No official diplomatic relations with Iran - Has a significant Georgian population - Not in the CSTO, but borders a CSTO nation Any guesses?
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
HAPPENING TOMORROW 🚨🚨 LIVESTREAM >> EXAMINING THE PURPOSE FOR EACH OF RUSSIA'S OVERSEAS BASES/FACILITIES (1946 - Current) Examining where Moscow used to command bases, which ones have closed down, and which ones are still functioning today. SAT MAY 31st - 1500 (DC time) - 2000 (UK time)
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
NEW EPISODE >> WHO CONTROLS EASTERN CONGO? 🇨🇩 While Kinshasa and Kigali parade peace deals for the cameras, the war in eastern DRC grinds on. Unable to dislodge Uganda or Rwanda, and with peacekeepers in retreat, Kinshasa is losing control of the East. www.theredlinepodcast.com/post/who-con...
theredlinepodcast.com
Who Controls Eastern Congo?
As the perpetual battle for control of the eastern provinces of the DRC rages on, international alliances are beginning to shift, and new powers are starting to gain previously unseen footholds.
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 07/05/2025
This feels strangely relevant for some reason.... WARGAMING: INDIA VS. PAKISTAN www.youtube.com/watch?v=1D0C...
youtube.com
Wargaming: India vs Pakistan
YouTube video by The Red Line
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
NEXT EPISODE CLUE >> - This country borders 9 other countries - Has less than 100km of coastline - They were never colonised by the UK, FR or SP - Not in NATO - Not in the CSTO - Their largest import and export partner is China - Massive rise in defence spending since 2022 Any guesses?
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
NEW ARTICLE >> TILTING ON THE EDGE? THE FUTURE OF BRITAIN'S INDO-PACIFIC STRATEGY London claims it's still pursuing its tilt toward the Pacific, but with Ukraine ongoing, and a souring relationship with the US, some are having doubts? ✏️= @GabrielRLane www.theredlinepodcast.com/post/tilting...
theredlinepodcast.com
Tilting on the edge? The future of Britain’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
London still claims Britain's future lies in the Indo-Pacific, but do the finances and decisions agree with the statement?
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
NEW EPISODE >> 🚨 EXCLUSIVE: WE ACQUIRED BLUEPRINTS FOR RUSSIA'S NEXT-GEN ARTILLERY SYSTEM 🚨 The design of this artillery system is unlike anything else in service today, so we enlisted leading experts @markgaleotti.bsky.social and Eric Gomez for their analysis. youtu.be/nGF1NqxPJCc?...
youtu.be
EXCLUSIVE: We Acquired Blueprints for Russia’s Next-Gen Artillery System
YouTube video by The Red Line
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 22/03/2025
🚨🚨 >> RED LINE LIVESTREAM << 🚨🚨 CRASHCOURSE: HOW TO LOCATE AND IDENTIFY MILITARY BASES USING SATELLITE PHOTOGRAPHY AND OSINT. << 🚨🚨 🇷🇺🇹🇯🇵🇱🇨🇳🇰🇵 STARTÎNG IN 30 MINUTES VIA ZOOM AND DISCORD. ⏱️⏱️
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
UPCOMING LIVESTREAM >> CRASHCOURSE: HOW TO LOCATE MILITARY BASES USING OSINT 🚨 A short course and toolkit for locating, identifying and verifying military bases. - LIVE on Zoom and Discord. - REPLAY available on Patreon SATURDAY 22ND MARCH - 1600 (DC Time) - 2000 (UK Time)
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
NEW EPISODE >> FROZEN FLASHPOINTS: GREENLAND, SVALBARD, AND THE NEXT ARCTIC STANDOFF With Greenland back from the polls, the Arctic states are now entering into a tense moment in time, with many asking if NATO can weather a war in the north? www.theredlinepodcast.com/post/frozen-...
theredlinepodcast.com
Frozen Flashpoints: Greenland, Svalbard, and the Next Arctic Standoff
As the arctic heats up, so do the geopolitical ambitions of the Arctic states, with the US, Russia and China all now moving into the area.
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
@freedomhouse.bsky.social just released their 2025 scores 🚨 GEORGIA > 55 ( -3 )🔻 RUSSIA > 12 ( -1 ) 🔻 BELARUS > 7 ( -1 )🔻 KYRGYZSTAN > 26 ( -1 )🔻 TURKMENISTAN > 1 ( -1 )🔻 KAZAKHSTAN > 23 ( - ) UZBEKISTAN > 12 ( - ) TAJIKISTAN > 5 ( - ) ARMENIA > 54 ( - ) AZERBAIJAN > 7 ( - ) UKRAINE > 51 ( +1 ) 🟢
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
NEXT EPISODE CLUE >> - Examining two potential invasions. - Both are invasions of territories. - Both in the same region. INV 1: _ _ _ _ _ _ ➡️ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - The nations share a land border INV 2: _ _ _ ➡️ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ - One has military bases in the other Any guesses?
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
NEW EPISODE >> TIMOR LESTE'S FADING SUNRISE Timor-Leste is currently facing multiple looming crises, and the window to resolve them is quickly shrinking. With several countries adding pressure on Timor, will Dili be able to reverse course in time? www.theredlinepodcast.com/post/timor-l...
theredlinepodcast.com
Timor Leste's Fading Sunrise
Timor-Leste stands at a crossroads, grappling with the legacies of Indonesian occupation, economic dependence on dwindling oil reserves.
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 29/01/2025
TIMOR LESTE: OIL, OCCUPATION AND OBSTRUCTION Examining Timor-Leste's evolving relationships with Indonesia, China, and Australia, as well as their rapidly approaching fork in the road. OUT TOMORROW: - 0600 (DC time)
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
NEXT EPISODE CLUE - Focusing on one nation - Only shares a land border with one other nation - Has an exclave and islands - One star on the flag - Speaks a European language, but it's not ENG, FRN, RUS or ESP - Their entire airforce was donated to them by the US. in 2020 Any guesses?
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
NEW ARTICLE >> RUBLES OVER REVERENCE: THE EVOLUTION IN RUSSIAN RECRUITMENT MESSAGING As Russia grows desperate for recruits, the Kremlin is now scrambling to reshape its strategy and messaging. ✏️= Ben Spencer www.theredlinepodcast.com/post/rubles-...
theredlinepodcast.com
Rubles over Reverence: The Evolution of Russian Recruitment Messaging
With Russia becoming increasingly desperate for recruits, the Kremlin is being forced to adapt its strategy and messaging.
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
THE TACTICS AND TIMELINE THAT BROUGHT DOWN ASSAD Examining the key tactics, battles and decisions that brought down the Assad government, as well as the list of winners and losers now emerging from the campaign. OUT NOW on our Patreon Feed
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 29/12/2024
STARTING IN 1 HOURS TIME >> RED LINE LIVESTREAM >> THE TIMELINE AND TACTICS THAT BROUGHT DOWN ASSAD Compiling all the key battles, movements, and events to examine how Assad's forces fell so quickly. SUNDAY 29TH OF DECEMBER - 1400 (DC time) - 1900 (UK time)
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 28/12/2024
UPCOMING LIVESTREAM >> THE TIMELINE AND TACTICS THAT BROUGHT DOWN ASSAD Compiling all the key battles, movements, and events into one cohesive timeline, with maps and analysis on why Assad's forces fell so quickly. SUNDAY 29TH OF DECEMBER - 1400 (DC time) - 1900 (UK time)
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 22/12/2024
As a homage to the US. shipbuilding industry, our next episode is complex, far bigger than we anticipated, and took way too long to produce. OVERBUDGET AND UNDERBUILT: THE US NAVY'S SHIPBUILDING CRISIS ⚓️⚓️ OUT TOMORROW >> 23/12
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 16/12/2024
THE RED LINE'S TOP 10 BOOKS OF THE YEAR 🏆🎉 So many great reads this year, but here are our team's top 10. - @markgaleotti.bsky.social - @anneapplebaum.bsky.social - @keirgiles.bsky.social - @yarotrof.bsky.social - @admiralstav.bsky.social - Calder Walton, Saleha Moshin, Ernest Scheyder & Annie J
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
For those of you interested in geopolitics, and new to Bluesky, my buddy @pyotrkurzin.bsky.social put together a bit of a starter pack of geopolitics people to follow. Feel free to post any extra suggestions below. go.bsky.app/9hKy5qF
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 02/12/2024
NEW EPISODE >> THE ARMED FORCES OF CENTRAL ASIA: PART 2 - WARGAMING REGIONAL CONFLICTS For part 2, we brought in military, security, academic, and government experts to wargame three regional conflicts and explore how they might unfold. www.theredlinepodcast.com/post/wargami...
theredlinepodcast.com
Wargaming Regional Conflicts - The Armed Forces of Central Asia
Part 2 of the Armed Forces of Central Asia Mini-Series, analysing the results of the research project's wargaming exercises.
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 26/11/2024
IT'S FINALLY READY, our longest episode ever... THE ARMED FORCES OF CENTRAL ASIA: PART 2 - WARGAMING REGIONAL CONFLICTS PART 1: Tajikistan invading Kyrgyzstan PART 2: Uzbekistan invading Tajikistan PART 3: Russia Invading Kazakhstan ▶️- 2:17:04 OUT THIS THURSDAY >> 28/11/24
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 17/11/2024
PATREON EXCLUSIVE >> A STEP-TO-STEP GUIDE FOR CARRYING OUT A COUP. Michael is now finally back from Bangladesh and cranking through the backlog. So our Patreon exclusive is available now, and we have a new TRL episode out in the next couple of days. www.theredlinepodcast.com/post/a-step-...
theredlinepodcast.com
A Step-by-Step Guide for Carrying Out Coups - (Patreon Exclusive)
Outlining the narrow set of keys that seperate the successful coups, from the one that end with everyone in prison.
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 01/11/2024
NEW EPISODE >> ARMENIA'S CHANGING RELATIONSHIP WITH RUSSIA After losing Karabakh, Yerevan faces a difficult position, caught between a distracted Russia and a more assertive Azerbaijan. So, what cards does Armenia have left to play? www.theredlinepodcast.com/post/episode...
theredlinepodcast.com
Episode 126. Armenia's Changing Relationship with Russia
With Karabakh now under Azerbaijani control and Russia distracted, Armenia is being forced to seek security elsewhere.
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 26/10/2024
KICKING OFF IN ONE HOURS TIME 🚨 A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE FOR CARRYING OUT COUPS 🚨 Why some fail and others succeed, and the warning signs that one is on the way. - 1400 (DC time) - 1900 (London time) Over on The Red Line's Discord >> www.theredlinepodcast.com/discord
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 07/10/2024
NEXT EPISODE CLUE >> - Three colours on the flag - Borders four nations - Has been to war with its neighbour recently - Has foreign bases on its soil - Not a member of NATO or the EU - Not in Africa - Just signed arms deals with 🇫🇷🇮🇳🇮🇷 - Name starts with a vowel Any guesses?
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 18/09/2024
NEW EPISODE >> THE ECONOMICS OF CONSCRIPTION With multiple countries now discussing the reimplementation of conscription, we delve into the real economic winners and losers of the program, and why so many vastly different nations adopt the concept. www.theredlinepodcast.com/post/episode...
theredlinepodcast.com
Episode 125. The Economics of Conscription
What are the true economic advantages and drawbacks of conscription, can it serve as an effective deterrent in modern conflicts?
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 07/09/2024
WHO WOULD JOIN A CHINA-LED SECURITY ALLIANCE? If China were to announce the establishment of its own version of NATO, how many nations would likely join? We're going through all of the options today, on our live stream at 1400 (DC Time). 💻📢
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 01/09/2024
WHO WOULD JOIN A CHINA-LED SECURITY ALLIANCE? What would a Chinese version of NATO look like? - Livestream presentation - Saturday 7th September (Via Zoom and Discord)
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 27/08/2024
NEW EPISODE >> THE RISE OF CHINESE PRIVATE SECURITY COMPANIES (PSCs and PMCs) While the attention has been focused on Blackwater, Academi, and Wagner, China has been quietly establishing thousands of PSCs across 40+ countries. So what is the endgame? www.theredlinepodcast.com/post/episode...
theredlinepodcast.com
Episode 124. The Rise of Chinese Private Security Companies (PSCs and PMCs)
Chinese private security companies (PSCs) are beginning to expand their influence in the global security market, but what is Beijing's goal?
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 18/08/2024
NEXT EPISODE CLUE: THE RISE OF _ _ _ _ _ _ _ PSC'S The missing word being a country that: > Not in NATO > Borders a European Nation > Only two colours on the flag > Has military bases on three continents > Operates PSCs in 40+ countries > But PMCs in far less Any Guesses?
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 31/07/2024
NEW EPISODE >> WHAT THE VENEZUELAN ELECTION MEANS FOR ESSEQUIBO 🇻🇪🇬🇾 While Caracas tumbles into chaos, eastern Venezuela is still preparing for war. Will Maduro use an invasion of Essequibo to distract the public, or does the military have other plans? www.theredlinepodcast.com/post/episode...
theredlinepodcast.com
Episode 123. What the Venezuelan Election Means for Essequibo
Venezuela's chaotic election has plunged the country into chaos, so what will it mean for the conflict with Guyana?
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 20/07/2024
A SECOND RUSSO-GEORGIAN WAR 💥📢📢💥 LIVE STREAM AND ANALYSIS >> KICKING OFF IN 30 MINUTES TIME theredlinepodcast.com/discord
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 18/07/2024
NEXT EPISODE CLUE: WARGAMING: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ vs _ _ _ _ _ _ > Not in Africa > 1 has Russian tanks > Both have Red on the flag > 1 of them has an election this month > The image below shows a disputed island, on which one side is now building military facilities. Any guesses?
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 15/07/2024
🔴📢UPCOMING LIVESTREAM📢🔴 WARGAMING A SECOND RUSSO-GEORGIAN WAR 🇬🇪🇷🇺 Examining the capabilities of the Georgian, Abkhazian, and South Ossetian military forces, as well as the likely regional responses from Russia and NATO. Via Zoom and Discord SAT 20th JULY - 1400 (DC Time) - 1900 (UK Time)
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 09/07/2024
NEW EPISODE >> SOUTH AFRICA: COMEBACK OR COLLAPSE? South Africa has just had the most important election since 1994, and the country now stands on a knife edge. Will this new coalition turn things around, or will failure now, guarantee chaos in 2029? www.theredlinepodcast.com/post/episode...
theredlinepodcast.com
Episode 122. South Africa: Comeback or Collapse?
As the dust settles on South Africa's most important election since 1994, the country stands on an edge, with only 5 years to fix everything
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 29/06/2024
🚨 HEARTS OF IRON / CHAT / Q&A STREAM 🚨 Kicking off in 15 minutes, over on the Red Line Discord. If you play HOI4, feel free to take control of one of the countries. Otherwise, we're relying on Michael to survive WW2 with nothing but a handful of interwar tanks. Link 👇
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The Red Line @theredline.bsky.social · 27/06/2024
NEXT EPISODE CLUE >> - Focusing on 1 Nation - That nation borders six others - The flag has black and yellow on it - Was a Top 25 economy at one point - Has invaded all of their neighbours. - Fought against Cuba in the Cold War - The president owned 145 Mcdonald's restaurants. Any Guesses??
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