The Edition: Labour’s China pivot, Yvette Cooper’s extremism crackdown & the ladies who punch
Oct 10, 2024
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Guests Katy Balls, a political commentator, and James Crabtree, a former Gordon Brown advisor, delve into Labour’s nuanced stance on China, debating the balance of trade and diplomacy. Toby Young discusses how characterizing extreme misogyny as extremism might mislabel adolescent behavior, risking the alienation of young men. Meanwhile, Emily Rhodes shares how kickboxing has helped her channel anger into empowerment, and Soraya Chemaly explores the societal implications of women's anger in a patriarchal culture.
Labour's reassessment of its relationship with China reflects a struggle between economic interests and national security concerns amid growing market allure.
The expansion of the extremism definition to include extreme misogyny raises fears of misclassifying young men's behavior, impacting their social dynamics.
Deep dives
Labour's Emerging Relationship with China
The Labour Party is reassessing its diplomatic and economic relations with China as it acknowledges the growing allure of the Chinese market. Following a period of hardened relations under previous leadership, the new government seems to hint at a thawing of sentiment, with planned high-level visits from key figures. Despite receiving criticism from opposition members regarding this shift, the Labour government is exploring economic growth opportunities through closer ties with China. The potential for collaboration is underscored by ambitions for initiatives like clean energy, as China offers considerable advantages in solar and battery manufacturing.
Balancing Economic Interests and National Security
The Labour government faces a challenge in balancing economic interests with national security concerns when dealing with China. While some factions within the government see potential in fostering ties to stimulate growth, there are significant apprehensions about China's reputation for espionage and human rights abuses. Former officials advocate for a pragmatic approach, suggesting the importance of maintaining regular diplomatic engagements with China while being cautious about over-reliance on its economic power. Decision-making regarding tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles showcases this tension as officials weigh the benefits of economic accessibility against potential security risks and influence.
The Redefinition of Extremism in Society
The UK government is expanding its definition of extremism to include extreme misogyny under the new counter-terrorism strategy, sparked by recent societal debates. Critics argue this shift prioritizes problematic referrals of teenage boys in schools for behaviors considered misogynistic while downplaying the more pressing threat of Islamist extremism. Some commentators express concerns that this approach categorizes the everyday banter of young men as extremism, potentially leading them down paths of unnecessary scrutiny and punitive measures. The review seems to stem from an increasing focus on addressing broader social issues regarding gender dynamics while potentially misallocating resources away from immediate threats.
Exploring Women's Anger Through Kickboxing
A discussion of women's experiences with anger highlights kickboxing as a cathartic outlet that allows them to process their emotions in a structured environment. The practice serves as both a physical exercise and a mental release, helping women reconnect with their feelings and frustrations. Participants express that engaging in kickboxing enables them to channel underlying rage from the stresses of daily responsibilities into something constructive and empowering. This exploration reveals that societal expectations often discourage women from acknowledging their anger, making kickboxing a vital space for reclaiming their emotional responses.
Successive governments have struggled with how to deal with China, balancing them as a geopolitical rival yet necessary trade partner. Recent moves from Labour have sent mixed signals, from the free speech act to the return of the Chagos Islands. Further decisions loom on the horizon. As Rachel Reeves seeks some economic wiggle room, can Labour resist the lure of the Chinese market? The Spectator’s Katy Balls, and visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) James Crabtree, join the podcast to discuss further (02:05).
Plus: as the first issue under The Spectator’s new editor Michael Gove, what are his reflections as he succeeds Fraser Nelson? He reads an excerpt from his diary (19:05).
Next: could the government’s plans for dealing with extremism have unintended consequences on young men? With plans to reclassify extreme misogyny as extremism, Toby Young argues this week that Labour’s broadening of this issue exposes the flaws of the Prevent strategy. For all the focus on ‘toxic masculinity’, do we risk alienating and prematurely criminalising teenagers? Toby joins the podcast, alongside The Spectator’s deputy features editor – often host of this podcast – Gus Carter (22:05).
And finally: the rise of the female fight club. Emily Rhodes talks about her experience taking up kickboxing, and the unexpected consequence of channelling her anger. How should women, and society, understand and deal with female anger? Emily joins the podcast, alongside the author of Rage Becomes Her, Soraya Chemaly, to explain (34:28).
Hosted by William Moore and Lara Prendergast.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson and Patrick Gibbons.
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