Biden’s final days in the Oval Office and the Iran-Russia partnership
Jan 17, 2025
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Julie Norman, a politics expert from UCL, discusses President Biden's last days in office, focusing on his significant achievements like the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Steve Crawshaw, a former Human Rights Watch director, analyzes the evolving geopolitical partnership between Iran and Russia. Magnus Renfrew, co-founder of ArtSG, shares insights into Singapore's rise as a contemporary art hub, emphasizing its cultural diversity and the upcoming international art fair that aims to solidify its position in the art world.
As Biden concludes his presidency, he achieves a significant foreign policy success with a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.
The newly signed Russia-Iran partnership addresses defense, security, and trade while revealing underlying geopolitical tensions affecting collaboration.
Southeast Asia's ArtSG fair emphasizes Singapore's role as a cultural epicenter, showcasing diverse artistic talent and fostering regional connections.
Deep dives
Emerging Oligarchy in America
The podcast discusses the rising threat of an oligarchy forming in the United States, driven by extreme wealth and influence, which poses a significant risk to democracy. The conversation highlights concerns over the concentration of power among a few elites, indicating that this new class could undermine democratic processes and reinforce inequalities. The implications of this shift signal that unless addressed, traditional democratic values may require serious fortification going forward. The discussion points to the need for citizens to be vigilant about preserving democracy in the face of such power dynamics.
Biden's Final Weekend and Achievements
As Joe Biden’s presidency draws to a close, he secures a significant foreign policy win with the signing of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. This achievement, which Biden’s team sought since the beginning of the conflict, allows him to leave office with a notable accomplishment amidst critiques of his administration's Middle East policy. In addition to foreign policy, Biden has been actively signing executive orders aimed at bolstering U.S. cybersecurity and infrastructure projects, reflecting a last-ditch effort to influence policy before the transition of power. However, the long-term impact of these executive actions remains uncertain, as they can easily be reversed by the incoming administration.
Russia-Iran Partnership
The podcast examines the implications of a newly signed partnership between Russia and Iran, highlighting the cautious tone both nations are taking in their collaboration. The discussion reveals underlying tensions, such as competition in the Asian oil market and differing support for regional conflicts, showing that their relationship is not as seamless as it may seem. The partnership document is expected to focus on defense, security, and trade, with both countries poised to benefit from each other's experiences with sanctions. This relationship showcases the complexities of geopolitics at a time when both countries face significant external pressures.
The Art Scene in Singapore
Southeast Asia's largest art fair, ArtSG, demonstrates Singapore's increasing importance as a cultural hub in the global art scene. The event highlights the region’s dynamic and diverse artistic talent while also attracting international attention and collectors. Various sectors within the fair encourage both established and emerging artists to showcase their work, allowing for discovery and interaction among galleries and visitors. ArtSG aims not only to elevate Singapore's reputation but also to foster connections between different parts of Southeast Asia, further enriching the region’s cultural tapestry.
David Lynch and His Cinematic Legacy
The podcast pays tribute to the iconic filmmaker David Lynch, exploring his unique style and the indelible impact he made on cinema. It discusses his ability to blend surrealism with dark themes, resulting in films that provoke deep emotional responses and challenge conventional storytelling. Lynch's contributions through works like 'Eraserhead,' 'Twin Peaks,' and 'Mulholland Drive' are highlighted as exemplary of his distinctive vision that continues to resonate with audiences. The conversation reflects on how Lynch's intuition and authenticity in storytelling have established him as an unmistakable figure in the film industry, leaving a lasting legacy.
Julie Norman joins Emma Nelson to discuss US president Joe Biden’s final days in the Oval Office. Plus: presidents Putin and Pezeshkian of Russia and Iran sign a historic partnership treaty, then we explore Southeast Asia’s biggest international art fair, Art SG, and look back at the life and legacy of director David Lynch.