Battleground

In the latest episode of our Hero or Villain series hosts Patrick Bishop and Roger Morehouse ask the ultimate question about one of the 20th century's most controversial figures: Was Charles de Gaulle a hero or a villain? De Gaulle remains a giant of French and world history, looming over his nation's political landscape and physical fabric, with over 3,600 public spaces named after him. He is regularly polled as the most important figure in French history, even surpassing Napoleon. Join the debate as Patrick and Roger delve into the General's life and legacy, exploring the pivotal role he played in the Second World War and analyzing what might have happened to a post-war France without his unifying presence. Hear the arguments, weigh the evidence, and decide where this controversial figure truly falls on the ledger. What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain? Cast Your Vote! Join the debate and cast your vote on Arthur Harris: https://forms.gle/y7ubNDSBjysvNyKX7 If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join us as Saul David and Roger Moorhouse digest the latest news from Ukraine, including the intense pressure mounting on Kyiv as the Trump administration reportedly issues an ultimatum to Zelensky to concede territory—likely the Donbas—to end the war. Despite this, they look at analysis that shows that Ukraine can win a protracted war of attrition against Russia's exaggerated claims of victory. We are also delighted to be joined by friend of the show Boldi Gyori, who updates us on the latest developments on the ground in Ukraine and also discusses his recent experience behind the front line with Ukrainian electricity repairmen. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second episode of our Hero or Villain series, Patrick Bishop and Roger Moorhouse examine Air Marshal Sir Arthur Harris, the controversial chief of RAF Bomber Command, known as "Butcher Harris" due to the staggering losses suffered by his crews . Harris vigorously pursued the necessary policy of area bombing German cities , a campaign he justified as crucial for shortening the war and preserving Allied lives. While his blunt, unapologetic zeal made him a target for post-war criticism. Whilst Patrick and Roger deliver their verdict on Harris' legacy. What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain? Cast Your Vote! Join the debate and cast your vote on Arthur Harris: https://forms.gle/LUtBHnKwD3nuiUMk9 If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Patrick Bishop and Roger Moorhouse discuss a familiar feeling of "deja vu" as the latest US peace mission to Moscow—led by envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—ends with no substantial progress. They argue that Russian President Putin is deliberately "stringing Trump along" to keep the outside world waiting while Russia continues to make incremental gains on the ground. The hosts also dive into a revealing Wall Street Journal article suggesting a "chilling" motivation behind the American peace efforts: charting a path to bring Russia's $2 trillion economy "in from the cold," positioning American businesses to beat European competitors to the dividends.  They also examine the widening corruption scandal in Ukraine and joining them to discuss this is friend of the show Askold Krushelnycky, who helps them look at the negative impact of the scandal on Zelensky's standing at home and abroad, and why Putin cannot afford to stop the war short of a total victory. Finally, the hosts answer a listener's questions including one about Ukraine's "remarkably bold" and "symbolic" drone attacks on Russia's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers. If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the first of our latest Battleground history series Patrick Bishop and Roger Morehouse tackle Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, the Nazi Germany commander revered by enemies for his "war without hate". Together they peel back the decades of mythology, challenging the image of Rommel as the "good German". How much did Rommel, who served as Hitler’s personal security commander , know about the regime’s atrocities? Was the positive postwar Western image of Rommel merely a convenient tool for rehabilitating Germany during the Cold War? Whilst Patrick and Roger deliver their verdict on Rommel's legacy. What do you think? Is he a hero or a villain? Cast Your Vote! Join the debate and cast your vote on Erwin Rommel: https://forms.gle/7e4FGMEJuRr3A4vP9 If you have any thoughts or questions, you can send them to - [email protected] Producer: James Hodgson X (Twitter): @PodBattleground Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices