Former ambassador John Jenkins discusses Iran's interest in the Israel-Hamas conflict and its long-term strategy in the Middle East. The podcast explores Iran's perspective on Israel, its method of forward defense, and its goal of weakening the interests of Israel and the United States in the region. It also touches on the current moment in the Middle East and unfolding events.

In this engaging conversation, Katie Stallard, a senior editor for China & global affairs at the News Statesman and former foreign correspondent, dives into the art of historical mythmaking by authoritarian regimes in Russia, China, and North Korea. She discusses how these narratives shape foreign policy and national identity, particularly the role of World War II history in modern conflicts. Stallard highlights the manipulation of events to maintain power, the mythologization of leaders like Kim Il-sung, and the need for critical historical education to combat revisionism.

Quinn Slobodian, a Boston University historian and author, joins Katie Stallard, Senior Editor for Global Affairs, and Freddie Hayward, US correspondent, to dissect Trump's complex coalition. They discuss the precarious alliances forming around Trump, the contrasting motives of tech elites versus traditional interests, and the fervent loyalty of MAGA supporters. Insightful analysis emerges on how these tensions could unravel as they face the 2028 elections, shedding light on shifts in political loyalties and the implications for American democracy.

Katie Stallard, New Statesman senior editor in Washington, D.C., discusses the prospects of Trump's potential second presidency, focusing on aggressive policies like tariffs and their economic implications. Wolfgang Munchau analyzes political turmoil in Europe, highlighting the rise of far-right parties and challenges in France and Germany. They also touch on Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine and broader geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, exploring how these dynamics may shape the world by 2025.

Join George Eaton, Senior Editor at the New Statesman, and Katie Stallard, a Washington-based journalist covering US politics, as they dissect the aftermath of Trump’s electoral success. They explore how his presidency has influenced UK political dynamics, from populism’s rise to the challenges of gender disparities. The duo examines economic implications of a possible second Trump term and reflects on the disillusionment of younger voters, questioning how these factors shape the future of left-wing politics in the UK.