Tom Stevenson & Tariq Ali discuss the myth of Britain as a global player and its subservience to the United States. They delve into topics such as Britain's relationship with the US, the actions of Israel and the US in Gaza and Iraq, the geopolitical importance of the Persian Gulf, and the decline of the British Empire. They also touch on foreign policy, the American decline, and domestic politics in the US.

Tom Stevenson and Iona Craig discuss the challenges facing the next foreign secretary in the UK, from Gaza to a possible Trump presidency. They question Labour's promise of 'Blair without the Iraq War' and how it may impact UK's foreign policy. The podcast explores global power shifts, Britain's role in the Middle East, and the complexities of implementing an ethical foreign policy.

Tom Stevenson, a contributing editor at the LRB and author, delves into the overlooked Tigray War in Ethiopia. He discusses Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s role in the brutal civil war despite his Nobel Peace Prize recognition. The conversation highlights the international indifference to the humanitarian crisis and the historical context shaped by colonial influences. Stevenson also explores Ethiopia's geopolitical ambitions for access to the Red Sea, revealing the complexities of external influences and local aspirations in a turbulent region.