The New Statesman | UK politics and culture

Rachel Cunliffe, a writer at New Statesman, delves into the recent breakdown of peace talks in Ukraine, highlighting the complexities of US-Russia negotiations and the challenges they face. The discussion moves to the rising popularity of Reform UK, as it gains traction ahead of local elections, posing a significant threat to traditional party dominance. Cunliffe analyzes the political landscape, touching on the controversies surrounding candidate vetting and Labour's struggles to maintain voter support in key regions.

Rana Mitter, a prominent historian of China from Harvard, teams up with Kevin Xu, founder of a bilingual newsletter on tech and geopolitics. They delve into how trade wars echo China's tumultuous past, tying modern tensions with historical events like the opium wars. The conversation highlights the lasting effects of unequal treaties, China's evolving nationalism, and the economic decoupling between the US and China. They also discuss the challenges facing China's economy and the importance of understanding these historical narratives in shaping future relations.

Jill Rutter, a former senior civil servant and senior research fellow at UK in a Changing Europe, dives into the intricacies of the UK's political system. She discusses the tensions between the civil service and government, revealing the challenges faced by civil servants under new political leadership. The conversation also touches on the ongoing debates around electoral reforms and coalition governments, and the potential of AI in transforming public sector productivity. Rutter's insights provide a nuanced look at contemporary governance and its evolving landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Phil Tinline, a writer and author of Ghosts of Iron Mountain, delves into the 1967 Iron Mountain hoax and its far-reaching impact on American perceptions of truth. He explores how a satirical report criticizing government war strategies was misinterpreted as fact, highlighting the dangerous intersection of satire and authority. Tinline draws connections to modern conspiracy theories like QAnon, examining how hoaxes have evolved with the internet and social media, and the ongoing struggle between objective facts and emotional narratives.

Nick Dearden, author of PharmaNomics, and Phil Whitaker, a seasoned NHS GP, dive into the murky waters of Big Pharma's influence on healthcare. They discuss how pharmaceutical companies have historically manipulated doctors and the regulatory environment to prioritize profits. The dark legacy of OxyContin marketing reveals the dangerous consequences of profit-driven strategies. Dearden and Whitaker also advocate for rethinking pharmaceutical regulations, emphasizing the need for public interest over corporate profit, inspired by innovative models from countries like South Africa.

Holly Ellis, AWS Director of Technology for the UK Public Sector, and Alexander Losad, Director of Government Innovation Policy at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, discuss the UK’s AI Opportunities Action Plan. They explore how the initiative aims to drive economic growth and reshape public services through innovative practices. Challenges in implementation are highlighted, including the need for role clarity and quick wins. The conversation also emphasizes the UK's potential as a global AI innovation leader, supported by strong educational foundations.

Ben Walker, a senior data journalist, shares insights on the crucial local elections set for May 1st. He examines the shifting electoral landscape in Britain, emphasizing the rise of the Reform Party and changing voter behavior. The conversation dives into the Runcorn by-election, highlighting candidates’ focus on national issues over local concerns. Walker discusses the implications of voter apathy and the dynamics between Labour and Reform, and considers potential strategies for alliances against Conservative influence. A must-listen for anyone interested in UK's political shifts!

In this engaging discussion, Will Dunn, the Business editor at The New Statesman, and Freddie Hayward, the US correspondent, dive into the chaos caused by recent tariffs from the Trump administration. They analyze the significant downturn in global stock markets and forecast the potential for a recession. The duo also unpacks the complexities of US-China trade relations and the impact of tariffs on international trade dynamics, revealing crucial insights into political maneuvering and economic strategies that could reshape future trade deals.

Basilio Sepe is a freelance photojournalist from Manila, documenting the devastating impact of Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. Kelebogile Zvobgo, a political scientist specializing in international law, shares insights on the evolving legal landscape. They discuss Duterte's impending accountability at The Hague and its ramifications for other leaders like Vladimir Putin. The conversation delves into the emotional weight of documenting violence and the slow, often challenging journey towards justice in international law.

In this engaging conversation, Sue Roe, author of *Hidden Portraits*, explores the lives of six remarkable women who were crucial to Picasso's artistry. She reveals how muses like Fernand Olivier and Olga Koklova influenced his transition from the Blue to the Rose periods and the dawn of cubism. Roe discusses the complexities of Picasso's relationships, including his manipulative behavior and the powerful impact these women had on his work. The discussion challenges listeners to appreciate art while acknowledging the artist's personal flaws.