Spectator Out Loud: Christopher Caldwell, Gus Carter, Ruaridh Nicoll, Tanya Gold, and Books of the Year I
Nov 2, 2024
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In this discussion, Christopher Caldwell analyzes the implications of a potential Trump victory on U.S. support for Ukraine, urging a reassessment of European strategies. Gus Carter presents the argument that exiting the European Convention on Human Rights won't solve Britain's complex immigration woes. Ruaridh Nicoll shares gripping stories from Havana amidst ongoing power outages, showcasing community resilience in difficult times. A cultural dive into toffee apples adds a fun twist, while a selection of intriguing books enriches the conversation.
Christopher Caldwell discusses how a Trump victory could lead to reduced U.S. support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts.
Gus Carter highlights that leaving the ECHR won't resolve the fundamental inefficiencies within Britain's struggling immigration system.
Deep dives
Implications of a Trump Victory on Ukraine
A potential victory for Donald Trump in the 2024 election could significantly alter U.S. support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. Trump's view is that American involvement in Ukraine is unwarranted, with his campaign suggesting that he would withdraw support just hours into his presidency. Polls indicate that a notable portion of Americans currently favor Trump’s stance on Ukraine over that of the sitting vice president, Kamala Harris. As U.S. public interest wanes, critics argue that European allies must brace for tougher stances against Russian aggression without relying on American backing.
Challenges in Britain's Immigration System
Britain's immigration system faces significant inefficiencies, highlighted by a troubling case in which an Albanian man with fabricated claims evaded deportation for decades. Even with a high acceptance rate for asylum claims, many who fail remain in the UK, effectively stuck in a system that struggles with bureaucratic delays and inadequate enforcement. Current statistics reveal a drastic decline in deportations, exacerbated by past scandals that have caused authorities to hesitate in removing individuals, even those deemed dangerous. This paralysis has led to increased asylum applications and an overwhelmed system, costing taxpayers millions daily in support and accommodations.
Crisis and Resilience in Cuba's Power Blackouts
Cuba is grappling with severe energy blackouts, a crisis intensified by the failure of its aged power infrastructure, leading the government to send non-essential workers home in an effort to conserve energy. Personal accounts reveal the impact of these blackouts, as citizens confront grave shortages of basic necessities like clean water, amplified by Hurricane Oscar's destructive force. Despite historical failures, some Cubans engage in acts of resilience, utilizing their ingenuity to navigate the challenges presented by the collapsing state systems. Observers highlight the tension between government rhetoric, which blames external factors for its troubles, and the palpable suffering experienced by the populace.
On this week’s Spectator Out Loud: Christopher Caldwell asks what a Trump victory could mean for Ukraine (1:07); Gus Carter argues that leaving the ECHR won’t fix Britain’s immigration system (8:29); Ruaridh Nicoll reads his letter from Havana (18:04); Tanya Gold provides her notes on toffee apples (23:51); and a selection of our books of the year from Jonathan Sumption, Hadley Freeman, Mark Mason, Christopher Howse, Sam Leith and Frances Wilson (27:08).
Produced and presented by Patrick Gibbons.
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