Isabel Hilton

Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue and expert on international affairs, joins Philippe Marlier, a professor of European politics, to discuss Trump's provocative threats against Greenland. They analyze Europe's alarm over these moves and the implications for NATO. The conversation also dives into China's concerns regarding U.S. actions in Venezuela and its broader diplomatic stakes in the region. They further explore the complexities of electoral politics in Europe, from Italy's reforms to the shortcomings of the UK's first-past-the-post system, all while touching on South Korea's new public health initiatives against baldness.

Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue, shares insights on geopolitical tensions, while Jenny Mathers analyzes Moldova's resilience against Russian influence in its elections. John Lyons recounts personal stories from Ukraine, emphasizing grassroots resistance amid conflict. The discussion reveals Netanyahu's challenges in forming peace and the implications of China's new visa program targeting STEM graduates. A thought-provoking exploration of global politics and local dynamics unfolds!

Last year China's population fell for the first time in 60 years with the national birth rate hitting a record low. China's birth rate has in fact been declining for years but an older population will pose a real challenge for China economically, politically and strategically. So, what will the consequences be for China and the rest of the world if this vast economy - the second largest in the world – of a waning workforce and an ageing population? The ruling Communist Party is introducing a range of policies to try to encourage couples to have more babies. But it was only seven years ago that the Chinese government scrapped the controversial one-child policy, replacing it with the two-child policy in 2016 and the three-child policy in 2021. The government is also offering tax breaks and better maternal healthcare, among other incentives, in an effort to reverse, or at least slow, the falling birth rate. Nothing so far has worked. So how concerning is population decline for China and the rest of the world? How much of an issue is gender inequality and the cost of raising a child? What will an older, frailer population do to the Chinese economy? And, as climate change intensifies, is population decline really a problem? Chris Morris is joined by: Yun Zhou - a social demographer, family sociologist and an assistant professor at the University of Michigan. Isabel Hilton – a journalist and founder of the bilingual website China Dialogue - an organisation dedicated to promoting a common understanding of China’s environmental challenges. Yasheng Huang - professor of global economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and author of the forthcoming book on China, The Rise and the Fall of the EAST. Also featuring: Victor Gao - Vice President of the Beijing-based Centre for China and Globalisation, a think tank with links to the Chinese Communist Party.Producer: Pandita Lorenz and Ellen Otzen(Photo: China's Sichuan province shifts birth control policies, Shanghai, 31 Jan 2023. Credit: Alex Plavevski/EPA-EFE/Rex/Shutterstock)

Isabel Hilton, a journalist specializing in international affairs and China, joins political commentator Somnath Batabial and Monocle founder Tyler Brûlé to discuss Europe's potential trade tactics against US tariffs over Greenland. They explore the geopolitical implications, including Denmark’s sovereignty and local reactions in Nuuk. The panel also tackles Trump’s controversial Gaza governance proposal, questioning its legitimacy due to Palestinian exclusion. Additionally, they highlight the surge in gold stockpiling as a response to dollar instability.

Isabel Hilton, an expert on geopolitics and climate change, teams up with David Bodanis, a historian and leadership commentator, to discuss Italy's upcoming citizenship referendum and its implications for immigration and economic support. Ed Stocker, reporting from Milan, highlights Italy's low voter turnout and governmental indifference, while Lars Bevanger shares insights on Norway’s football revival after a thrilling match against Italy and the quirky sport of 'death diving.' Politics, culture, and international relations are engagingly unpacked throughout the conversation.

Gabrielius Landsbergus, former Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, joins Times columnist Edward Lucas and China Dialogue founder Isabel Hilton for a deep dive into the shifting global landscape. They discuss the U.S.'s retreat from its traditional role, prompting Europe to reconsider its defense mechanisms and ambitions. The conversation also touches on China's approach to global influence, emphasizing its different relationship dynamics compared to Western alliances. Together, they explore who might step in to fill the leadership void left by the U.S.

Cindy Yu, Times columnist on UK–China diplomacy, and Isabel Hilton, longtime China watcher and founder of China Dialogue Trust, discuss Keir Starmer’s Beijing visit. They explore diplomatic signalling, security concerns and espionage stories. They debate China’s global ambitions, whether it seeks to police the world, and how smaller powers should navigate trade, red lines and pragmatic engagement.

Tom Miller, a senior analyst at Gavekal Research, Isabel Hilton, a veteran international reporter and founder of China Dialogue, and Austin Williams, an architect and academic, dive into China's current challenges. They discuss the economic slowdown, youth unemployment, and perceptions of decline. The panel explores urbanization, advancements in technology, and the Belt and Road Initiative's evolution. They also touch on issues of national identity, surveillance, and the balance of optimism amid political changes, providing a nuanced view of China's future.

Isabel Hilton, journalist and China watcher, on how art is read politically in China. Dorian Lynskey, music and culture critic, reviews films and George Saunders’ new novel. Viv Groskop, journalist and comedian, gives sharp takes on theatre and film. They debate Bradley Cooper's film as breakup drama, a powerful Royal Court play about family and shock, and Saunders' otherworldly Vigil.

Chris Chermak, a senior news editor and geopolitical analyst, discusses Trump's foreign policy towards Venezuela, emphasizing a strategy focusing on oil interests over democracy. Garana Gerjic, a security correspondent, reveals how this situation strains European trust and complicates upcoming security discussions in Paris. Laura Kramer updates on the recent fire in Crans-Montana, detailing victim identifications. Isabel Hilton offers insights on China's economic positioning as it navigates challenges heading into 2026.