Monocle on Saturday Jimmy Kimmel and the US crackdown on free speech
Sep 20, 2025
Vincent McAviney, a political commentator and Monocle contributor, dives into the fallout from Jimmy Kimmel's removal amid pressures on late-night television. They discuss the implications of this crackdown on free speech and how other hosts are responding. Furthermore, Vincent elaborates on NATO's reaction to recent Russian airspace violations, shedding light on global security dynamics. The conversation also touches on cultural tidbits, like Finland's Mustamakkara and highlights from Zurich's Autumn Market.
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Probing Air Incursions Test NATO
- Russia's MiG-31 fighters allegedly entered Estonian airspace and turned off transponders, creating real danger for civil aviation.
- Vincent McAviney warns this is part of a pattern of probing actions that test NATO responses and wear down defences.
Estonia Pushes NATO Consultation
- Estonia triggered NATO's Article 4 after the incursion, signalling serious concern and alliance consultations.
- McAviney links repeated incursions to a broader strategy of 'mission creep' by Putin to probe and escalate over time.
Small Tests Become Big Threats
- McAviney compares Putin's tactics to constant testing and incremental expansion that exploits weak responses.
- He cautions that this same playbook mirrors China's pressure on Taiwan and can erode military readiness over time.