Independent Thinking

In this discussion, Edward Luce, North America editor at the Financial Times, Gerald Seib, former Washington Bureau Chief at the Wall Street Journal, and Leslie Vinjamuri from Chatham House delve into the implications of Donald Trump's surprising re-election. They analyze shifts in voting demographics and the Republican Party's future, as well as the stark contrast between a strong economy and public discontent. The hosts also examine Trump's foreign policy directions, potential appointments, and the challenges America faces both domestically and globally.

North Korea is sending troops to Russia, but what is Kim Jong Un hoping to get from Vladmir Putin for military assistance against Ukraine? The panel also discuss the role military conscription plays in Israel, South Korea and Ukraine. Bronwen Maddox is joined by Edward Howell, the Korea Foundation fellow at Chatham House, Orysia Lutsevych, the head of our Ukraine Forum and Yossi Mekelberg, a senior consulting fellow with our Middle East and North Africa Programme. Read our latest: As the ruling party claims victory in Georgia’s disputed election, Western condemnation is no longer enough Watch: 2024 US election: What will America choose? Watch: Is the world ready for the next pandemic? Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the latest 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.

Join experts Olivia O’Sullivan, Director of the UK in the World program, and David Lubin, a Senior Research Fellow in Global Economy, who discuss how rising national debt is reshaping Western foreign policy. Patrick Wintour offers insights into the delicate balance of UK foreign funding, while Ranil Dissanayake tackles the implications of demographic shifts on global challenges. They explore the complex nature of debt sustainability and its consequences for international aid, emphasizing the urgent need for a coordinated financial strategy amid soaring debts.

Sophie Pedder, Paris Bureau Chief of The Economist, Shahin Vallée, a former advisor to Emmanuel Macron, and Armida van Rij, head of the Europe Programme at Chatham House, dissect France's looming budget crisis. They explore the intricate dynamics of France's fiscal instability, potential political turmoil, and the implications of rising deficits. The discussions illuminate the challenges of coalition governance, the Franco-German trade tensions, and the delicate balance of supporting Ukraine amid financial constraints. It's a candid look at the crossroads of economics and politics in France.

Daniel W. Drezner, a Tufts University professor and sanctions expert, joins Allie Renison, a trade policy specialist, and Chris Sabatini, a Latin America researcher, to delve into the complexities of sanctions. They discuss how sanctions can hold governments accountable but often harm ordinary citizens. The conversation covers historical and contemporary case studies, the evolution of sanctions post-EU for the UK, and the unintended consequences on economies and political alliances. They also ponder the dollar's status and the moral dilemmas surrounding the effectiveness of sanctions.

Daniel Levy, an experienced peace negotiator, shares insights on the quest for peace in Israel and Palestine. Sanam Vakil highlights the urgent need to address humanitarian crises and shifting sentiments within Israel. Amjad Iraqi emphasizes the importance of Palestinian self-determination alongside the complexities of international policies. The trio discusses regional dynamics, including Iran's influence and the challenges posed by the Abraham Accords, suggesting that recognizing Palestinian rights is crucial for sustainable regional stability.

Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, joins Lina Khatib and Yossi Mekelberg, both associate fellows at Chatham House, to delve into Israel's recent military escalation against Hezbollah. They discuss the political and historical context behind these strikes, examining the psychological toll on both soldiers and the Lebanese population. The impact on Hezbollah's morale is analyzed, alongside broader implications for U.S.-Israel relations, Iran's nuclear ambitions, and the overall dynamics of the Middle East conflict.

In this insightful discussion, journalist Christopher Miller from the Financial Times, military analyst Michael Kofman, and OSUN fellow Olga Tokariuk dive into Ukraine's struggle for military support. They explore the implications of long-range missile systems, the intense battles in Kursk and Donbass, and the evolving strategies as winter approaches. The trio also delves into the political reshuffling in Zelensky's government and the societal challenges of youthful conscription. Their analysis sheds light on the complexities of the conflict and the possible paths forward.

Tuesday’s debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump brought fierce exchanges over immigration, abortion and foreign policy, and showed that America's global role matters in this election. Bronwen Maddox is joined by David Weigel from Semafor and Clare Malone from the New Yorker to discuss what we learned and what to watch in the rest of the race. With them is Heather Hurlburt, associate fellow of our US and Americas programme. Read our latest: The Harris–Trump debate showed US foreign policy matters in this election The US election will take place in a polluted information space US dollar dominance is both a cause and a consequence of US power Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the latest 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. Audio clip credit: ABC News Presidential Debate: Race for the White House

Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, dives deep into the rising coalition of autocracies challenging global democracies. She discusses how regimes like China, Russia, and Iran form opportunistic alliances. The conversation highlights the implications of misinformation in digital spaces and the fragility of leadership within authoritarian systems. Applebaum also critiques the West's role in these dynamics and advocates for flexible coalitions to address pressing global issues.