Episode 127: Great Power Diplomacy: How to Prevent a Third World War
In this episode, Tobias Ellwood sets out why he believes we are drifting towards global conflict, and what can still be done to stop it.
The order that has held since 1945 is coming apart. War in Ukraine, confrontation between the US and Iran, unresolved conflict in the Middle East and an intensifying rivalry between Washington and Beijing have produced the most dangerous strategic environment in a generation.
Recorded during a live RUSI members webinar on 19 August 2026, this special episode features RUSI Distinguished Fellow, The Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood, discussing his new book: Ten Steps to Prevent World War Three. The webinar was chaired by RUSI Senior Associate Fellow Professor Beatrice Heuser with an audience Q&A.
Key themes discussed are:
- How the West arrived at this point, and why the rules-based order has broken down.
- Where the risks of escalation are greatest, and how much of it would be deliberate rather than accidental.
- What grey zone warfare means for deterrence and Western defence planning.
- How artificial intelligence and computing will shape the speed and character of future conflict.
The full recording is available to RUSI members on the Institute's website, where you can also sign up if you are not currently a member.
FEATURING
Natia Seskuria
Senior Research Fellow, Russian and Eurasian Security
International Security
The Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood
RUSI Distinguished Fellow, Military Sciences
