The Morning Edition Trump just insulted almost all world leaders, to their faces, but what does it mean?
5 snips
Sep 24, 2025 Peter Hartcher, an international and political editor, dives deep into the recent upheavals in global politics. He dissects Donald Trump's controversial UN speech, which attacks NATO and dismisses climate science, revealing a troubling rejection of multilateralism. Hartcher also discusses Russia's increasing aggression in Europe and the awkward responses from world leaders, including Britain’s lavish treatment of Trump. Concluding with thoughts on the rise of authoritarianism, he highlights these events as signs of a profound global transformation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Speech Shredded Multilateralism And Science
- Peter Hartcher argues Trump's UN speech was a direct assault on multilateral institutions and allied leaders.
- He sees it as a historic rejection of science-based governance and cooperation.
Anti-Science Rhetoric As Political Strategy
- Hartcher connects Trump's rhetoric to a wider rejection of scientific authority and methods.
- He frames this as undermining centuries of the scientific revolution with policy and messaging.
Russia's Airspace Probes Risk Escalation
- Russia has repeatedly intruded into European airspace with drones, fighters and surveillance planes.
- Hartcher warns these incidents are hybrid aggression that risk escalation and reveal weak coordinated responses.