Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps

“Multiculturalism in the UK” with Foreign Minister Alexander Downer

Sep 9, 2024

In this enlightening discussion, Alexander Downer, a seasoned diplomat and former Australian Foreign Minister, delves into multiculturalism in the UK. He reflects on the complexities of immigration, the UK's race riots, and the essential role of shared values for societal cohesion. Downer contrasts multicultural experiences in the UK and Australia, shedding light on the implications of cultural practices, especially within the Muslim community. The conversation also touches on the crucial international intelligence collaborations in countering terrorism and the aftermath of historical events like 9/11.

01:01:26

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Episode guests

Alexander Downer

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Alexander Downer emphasizes the failures of past governments in adequately integrating migrant communities, leading to cultural disconnection and societal resentment.

The discussion highlights the importance of establishing common social values to unite diverse communities, contrasting integration with mere coexistence.

Deep dives

Impact of Immigration on UK Society

The podcast discusses the recent race riots in the UK, attributing them to failures in the integration of migrant communities. Alexander Downer argues that successive governments have not adequately facilitated the integration of migrants, leading to the establishment of ethnic enclaves in cities like Birmingham and Manchester. This lack of integration creates resentment among both migrants and the native population, as differing cultures live segregated lives with limited interaction. Downer emphasizes that the real issue lies not in racial differences but in cultural disconnection, necessitating an honest conversation about immigration policies and the need for a coherent approach to multiculturalism.

Intro

3min

Exploring Urban Diversity and Integration

15min

Navigating Marriage and Multiculturalism in the UK

16min

Cultural Clashes Post-9/11

11min

The Power of International Intelligence Collaboration in Counter-Terrorism

3min

Geopolitical Turmoil: Iraq and Iran

8min

A Diplomatic Encounter During the 2016 Election

4min

Outside Australia, Alexander Downer is best known as the diplomat who kicked off the Mueller Investigation by alerting the FBI that one of Trump’s advisors, George Papadopoulos, said the Russians had dirt on Hillary Clinton over drinks in London. Downer was Australia’s ambassador to the UK at the time.

Inside Australia, Downer is a household name. He is the most consequential Foreign Minister in decades (what Americans call the Secretary of State), serving for over a decade during 9/11 and the Iraq War. As a senior government minister in the Five Eyes alliance, he was influential in formulating Western countries' response to ISIS and jihadism. Most recently, he was Australia’s ambassador to the United Kingdom (a position which, between Commonwealth countries, is called the High Commissioner).

Downer recently wrote about the UK race riots and the strains of multiculturalism. As someone deeply familiar with immigration, multiculturalism, Islamism and foreign policy, Josh wanted to pick his brain.

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