The Rest Is Politics 484. War in Europe, Trump's Destruction of Institutions, and Britain’s National Treasures (Question Time)
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Jan 1, 2026 What if Europe went to war with Russia in 2026? The hosts debate the potential for national service in the UK, highlighting its social benefits. They critically examine the shifting dynamics of the G20, questioning if it can remain relevant without US influence. AI's evolving role in geopolitics also sparks interest, especially the challenges it poses. They delve into Africa's climate vulnerabilities and cultural legacies, exploring who deserves the title of 'national treasure.' Finally, they reflect on political unpredictability and youthful resilience.
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Chaos That Slowly Erodes Institutions
- Trump has used unpredictable, extreme actions to erode institutions with surprisingly muted immediate consequences.
- Rory Stewart argues this creates a slow hollowing of checks and balances rather than dramatic single moments of crisis.
2025's Surprising Tariff Volatility
- Rory Stewart recounts unexpected extremes in 2025 like 50% tariffs on India and erratic tariff swings.
- He highlights the surprise of heavy, indiscriminate tariffs and their back-and-forth application.
Hardline Immigration Measures Exceeded Expectations
- Rory Stewart describes harsh domestic enforcement actions like ICE raids and National Guard deployments in US cities.
- He says these exceeded prior expectations and showed limited institutional pushback.
