Economist Podcasts Unspeakable truths: Britain’s US ambassador
Jul 11, 2019
Joel Budd, Social policy editor for The Economist, dives into the diplomatic fallout over the UK's ambassador to the US and the implications of his resignation. He discusses the complexities faced in international development, especially when scaling projects like the Bangladesh rice farmers' initiative. The conversation also humorously tackles why most British politicians sound alike despite the country's rich variety of accents, revealing the impact of education on political representation.
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Leaked Cables and Resignation
- Leaked diplomatic cables revealed Sir Kim Darroch's critical assessments of the Trump administration.
- This led to his resignation despite support from some British politicians.
Johnson's Calculated Risk
- Boris Johnson's refusal to fully support Darroch highlighted the importance of his relationship with Trump.
- This hesitancy exposed a potential weakness in his leadership bid.
Brexit's Balancing Act
- Britain must choose between aligning with the European or US sphere of influence post-Brexit.
- This decision has significant implications for regulations and geopolitical strategy.