Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In a world increasingly defined by geopolitical tension, how prepared is the West to defend itself? The speakers on this panel consider the state of readiness in Western nations amidst escalating conflicts, including Russia's war on Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and the US-China rivalry. With concerns about depleted resources, recruitment challenges, and wavering public support for national defense, they explore whether the West is ready to confront modern threats, or does the future demand a deeper reassessment of priorities and values? Do we have to ask a more fundamental question: what is the West, and is it worth fighting for?
The speakers are:
Dr Tim Black: books and essays editor, spiked
Sherelle Jacobs: columnist, Daily Telegraph
Sir Simon Mayall: consultant and writer; former assistant chief of the Army; author, The House of War, the Struggle between Christendom and the Caliphate
Tim Scott: executive director, The Freedom Association
The Chair is:
Tony Gilland: chief of staff, MCC Brussels; associate fellow, Academy of Ideas
This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers attending the Battle of Ideas Festival 24. These are the introductory speeches only. To avoid duplication, the full debate will feature on the Academy of Ideas YouTube channel shortly.
WORLDwrite volunteers filmed over 40 sessions at the Battle of Ideas 24. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos for the Academy & WORLDwrite channels, takes at least 2 days each. With no paid staff the charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in if you can by hitting the thanks button below. Thank You.
In a world increasingly defined by geopolitical tension, how prepared is the West to defend itself? The speakers on this panel consider the state of readiness in Western nations amidst escalating conflicts, including Russia's war on Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and the US-China rivalry. With concerns about depleted resources, recruitment challenges, and wavering public support for national defense, they explore whether the West is ready to confront modern threats, or does the future demand a deeper reassessment of priorities and values? Do we have to ask a more fundamental question: what is the West, and is it worth fighting for?
The speakers are:
Dr Tim Black: books and essays editor, spiked
Sherelle Jacobs: columnist, Daily Telegraph
Sir Simon Mayall: consultant and writer; former assistant chief of the Army; author, The House of War, the Struggle between Christendom and the Caliphate
Tim Scott: executive director, The Freedom Association
The Chair is:
Tony Gilland: chief of staff, MCC Brussels; associate fellow, Academy of Ideas
This video was filmed and edited by WORLDwrite volunteers attending the Battle of Ideas Festival 24. These are the introductory speeches only. To avoid duplication, the full debate will feature on the Academy of Ideas YouTube channel shortly.
WORLDwrite volunteers filmed over 40 sessions at the Battle of Ideas 24. To edit, sound clean and prepare these videos for the Academy & WORLDwrite channels, takes at least 2 days each. With no paid staff the charity needs your help to keep its edit suites switched on. Please chip in if you can by hitting the thanks button below. Thank You.
