Nina dos Santos, an international broadcast correspondent and democracy podcaster, teams up with former British diplomat John Everard to dive into Ukraine's 1,000-day war with Russia. They discuss the heavy human costs and shifting political dynamics in Washington. The conversation touches on the conflict becoming a proxy for broader geopolitical tensions in Asia. Additionally, they explore New Zealand's political protests and Denmark's whimsical flatulence tax, blending serious issues with light-hearted analysis.
Ukraine's resilience shines as the conflict enters its 1,000th day, highlighting the severe human and infrastructural costs of war.
New Zealand's political shift towards conservatism amid economic challenges sparks protests over proposed changes to the Treaty of Waitangi.
Deep dives
Escalating Tensions and Shifts in Ukraine
Ukraine marks 1,000 days since the onset of hostilities with Russia, showcasing its resilience amidst immense human and infrastructural costs. The introduction of long-range missiles supplied by the U.S. represents a shift in Ukraine's capability to retaliate against Russian attacks. Critics argue that delays in receiving such military support have cost many Ukrainian lives and damaged cities that could have been spared. The evolving dynamics of international military support also raise questions about future commitments from greater powers, highlighting the geopolitical stakes in the ongoing conflict.
Consequences of Heavy Losses in Russia
The toll on Russian forces has been severe, with estimates suggesting staggering casualty figures exceeding six figures. Despite these losses, President Putin's capacity to reinforce troops faces limitations, particularly in major urban centers like Moscow and St. Petersburg. The reluctance to recruit from these areas indicates a strategic danger for the Kremlin, potentially leading to declining troop morale and resistance. Analysts ponder how long Kremlin officials can prolong this attrition without risking broader instability in Russia itself.
Political Shifts and Cultural Battles in New Zealand
New Zealand's political landscape has undergone a significant transformation with the rise of a conservative administration that aims to reassess the Treaty of Waitangi, sparking widespread protests. This political shift reflects a broader trend seen in various democracies, where economic challenges lead voters to pivot politically, often towards the right. The focus on economic concerns rather than deeper social issues illustrates the precarious balance in democratic voting patterns. Critics warn that such moves may erode previously established cultural understandings and rights, particularly regarding indigenous populations.
Denmark's Groundbreaking Agricultural Taxation
Denmark is poised to introduce a unique tax on agricultural emissions, specifically targeting methane emissions from cattle, marking a notable environmental initiative. This approach reflects a growing recognition that livestock emissions significantly contribute to climate change, emphasizing the need for equitable emission regulations across sectors. The revenue generated by this tax aims to support environmental restoration efforts, including afforestation and peatland restoration. However, critics question the effectiveness of such measures, arguing that the global impact of Denmark's initiative remains limited given its relatively small scale.
We unpack the latest from Ukraine as the country marks 1,000 days of fighting with Russia and discuss whether the conflict is becoming a proxy war for Asia. Also in the programme: we analyse the latest protests in New Zealand against the proposed legislation that could redefine the Treaty of Waitangi and find out why Denmark is introducing a flatulence tax for livestock.