In February 2022, UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss voiced her support for those individuals who wanted to travel to Ukraine to help, what she interpreted as, "a fight for democracy". These comments have come under fire from fellow politicians, journalists and former members of the Armed Forces - but why? In this episode James is joined by Giles Tremlett, to discuss the similarities, and lessons that can be learnt from the foreign volunteers in the Spanish Civil war. Tales of George Orwell's experiences, fights against fascism, and stories from those en route to Ukraine already : when people go to war for another country, do they really know what they're signing up for?

Giles' book is called 'The International Brigades: Fascism, Freedom and the Spanish Civil War'

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