Independent Thinking

Leena Koni Hoffmann, a notable researcher at Chatham House, discusses her extensive findings on corruption in Nigeria. She dives into the roots of this pervasive issue, revealing how historical governance influences have shaped its current state. The conversation sheds light on the role of religious institutions as moral leaders in the fight against corruption. Hoffmann emphasizes the need for accountable leadership and reform in the electoral process to restore public trust and promote integrity in governance.

In this engaging discussion, Yu Jie, a China expert from Chatham House, Robert Evan Ellis from the U.S. Army War College, and Bruno Binetti, a U.S.-Latin America relations analyst, dive into China's expanding influence in Latin America. They unveil China's strategic economic engagements, from trade with Brazil and Argentina to infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening ties. The guests also explore the implications of U.S. policies and tariffs, revealing how these actions might inadvertently bolster China's position in the region and shift local allegiances.

Jason Furman, former Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers under Obama, and David Lubin, an expert at Chatham House, delve into the ramifications of Trump's new trade tariffs. They discuss the potential job losses in U.S. manufacturing and the broader implications for global trade dynamics. The duo examines the influence of tariffs on currencies and inflation, particularly focusing on how China's economy is responding. They highlight the critical need for nations to rethink trade policies to boost globalization amidst rising autarky.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Creon Butler, Olivia O’Sullivan, and Nicolai von Ondarza explore whether Europe can step up as a global leader as the US's influence wanes. They tackle the complexities of European unity in economic strategies, illustrating the differing trade policies of member states like Germany and Hungary. The trio also delves into Europe's defense capabilities and the necessity for coordinated action amid geopolitical tensions. With Brexit impacting UK-EU relations, the conversation emphasizes the urgency for Europe to take on greater responsibility in leadership.

In this discussion, Yu Jie, a senior research fellow at Chatham House, William Matthews, a security expert, and David Lubin, an economist, dive into China's view of the U.S. under Trump. They analyze China's shifting diplomatic strategies and military ambitions amid U.S. policy changes. The conversation also touches on the risks of economic decoupling, tariffs, and how these factors influence global trade dynamics. They further explore the implications for AI technology and international relations as tensions rise.

In this week's episode Haid Haid, Rim Turkmani, and Lina Khatib discuss the recent developments in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.  We delve into the country's economic struggles, the rise of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the resurgence of sectarian violence, and the challenges facing Syria's path to democracy. It also explores the roles of regional and international players, including Turkey, Israel, and Iran, in shaping Syria’s future. Read our latest: Ukraine enters a perilous phase of fighting and talking with no assured end in sight France should join NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangements to strengthen European deterrence China’s ‘two sessions’: What did we learn about the Chinese economy? Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Jonathan Coates. Executive Producer: John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧  Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.

Sir John Sawers, former head of MI6, and James Heappey, former Armed Forces Minister, dive into pressing questions about the UK's military readiness amidst rising global tensions. They explore the implications of increased defense spending and the necessity for modernizing military strategies to counter evolving warfare. The conversation highlights challenges in recruitment, the pivotal role of intelligence in strategy, and the need for innovation in nuclear deterrents, all while reflecting on the lessons learned from conflicts like the Ukraine-Russia war.

As Donald Trump moves to reshape America’s foreign policy, we discuss what this means for the allies in Europe. Can the the United Kingdom, France and Germany forge a new path or is transatlantic unity fading fast?  Bronwen Maddox is joined by the Chair of Chatham House Sir Simon Fraser, former Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief Gerard Baker, Marion Messmer, a senior research fellow with our International Security programme and Sebastien Maillard, an associate fellow with our Europe programme. Read our latest: It’s not too late for the US to back Ukraine – for its own benefit After German election win, can Merz deliver leadership at home and in Europe? Trump is pushing Europe and China closer together. Europe should tread carefully Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock with Indio Media. Read the Winter issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧  Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.

Ties between the US and Ukraine have soured with Donald Trump calling Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy a ‘dictator’ in a public war of words. Meanwhile US and Russian diplomats met in Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine’s future without representatives from Kyiv or Europe. Should the continent be preparing for a future without the US as an ally? Bronwen Maddox is joined by historian and author Timothy Garton Ash, Georgina Wright, visiting fellow at the German Marshall Fund and Orysia Lutsevych, deputy director for Chatham House’s Russia and Eurasia Programme. Read our latest: What the UK should do in defence of Ukraine and Europe Europe needs to make its own plan for peace in Ukraine – and rouse its people to the threat from Russia German election: Far-right firewall weakens as immigration concerns take centre stage Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock with Indio Media. Read the Winter issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧  Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.

Sixty countries signed a declaration on 'inclusive' artificial intelligence at a global summit in Paris this week, but the UK and US refused. What was agreed at the summit, why did London and Washington decline to sign and what comes next? Bronwen Maddox is joined by Professor Birgitte Andersen from Birkbeck Business School, Lord Tim Clement-Jones, Co-Chair of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on AI and Alex Krasodomski, Programme Director, for Chatham House’s Digital Society Programme. Read our latest: Events in the DRC show a new realpolitik is emerging in Africa – one that is fraught with danger Modi’s Washington visit highlights India’s importance to the US, but will not resolve long-term challenges The international trading system needs urgent support to survive Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock with Indio Media. Read the Winter issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧  Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.