The New Statesman: politics and culture
The New Statesman
Helping you make sense of politics, culture and world affairs – every weekday.Anoosh Chakelian, Andrew Marr and the New Statesman team bring you sharp reporting, clear analysis and thoughtful conversations to help you understand what’s really going on in Westminster and beyond.The New Statesman is Britain’s leading source of news and commentary on politics and culture with a progressive perspective. On the podcast, our journalists and expert guests cut through the noise of the headlines to explain the forces shaping our world. From the battles inside the Labour Party to the future of the Conservatives, from the rise of Reform UK to the debates that dominate Parliament, we provide the clarity you need to follow UK politics.But the story doesn’t stop at Westminster. Each week we take you around the globe, covering world news and international current affairs — from the war in Ukraine and the leadership of Volodymyr Zelensky, to Russia under Vladimir Putin, to the conflict in Israel and Gaza, and the impact of Donald Trump on American and international politics. Our interviews bring leading thinkers and cultural figures into the conversation, while our Saturday episodes explore books, literature, film and wider culture.Whether you want to stay on top of UK news, understand the shifts in global politics, or dive into the ideas that drive our culture, the New Statesman podcast is your essential daily listen.--START HERE:▶︎ Kemi Badenoch isn't working | Cover Story with Tom McTague▶︎ Do billionaires really benefit the UK?▶︎ One year of Labour rule: can things still only get better?--LISTEN AD-FREE:📱Download and subscribe in the New Statesman app to enjoy all our episodes without the ads.--MORE FROM THE NEW STATESMAN:❓ Ask a question - we answer them on the podcast every Friday⏰ Get our daily politics newsletter in your inbox every morning✍️ Enjoy the best of our writing via email every Saturday--JOIN US:⭐️ Get full access to all our reporting and analysis - and get our magazine delivered to your door every week - with a print + digital subscription--Host:Anoosh ChakelianRegular contributors and co-hosts:Tom McTague, Editor-in-chiefWill Lloyd, Deputy editorAndrew Marr, Political editorGeorge Eaton, Senior editor, politicsHannah Barnes, Associate editorRachel Cunliffe, Associate political editorWill Dunn, Business editorMegan Gibson, Foreign editorKatie Stallard, Global affairs editorTanjil Rashid, Culture editorKate Mossman, Senior writerProduction team:Senior podcast producer: Catharine HughesVideo producer: Rob Le MareExecutive producer: Chris Stone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
9 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 32min
This isn't China's first rodeo (or trade war)
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.
6 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 32min
Should we have an elected House of Lords?
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.
Apr 17, 2025 • 24min
America's greatest hoax
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.
10 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 26min
Big Pharma: Gaming the system
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.
Apr 14, 2025 • 20min
Can the government’s AI Action Plan drive innovation and growth in the UK?
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.
4 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 27min
Runcorn by-election decisive for British politics
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!
Apr 10, 2025 • 22min
A big bad week for money
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.
Apr 9, 2025 • 25min
Strongman at The Hague: The fall of Duterte
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.
Apr 7, 2025 • 31min
The untold story of Picasso's muses
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.
28 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 23min
Russia's next war?
Oliver Moody, Berlin Bureau Chief for The Times and author of "Baltic: The Future of Europe," shares his insights on the precarious geopolitical landscape of the Baltic states. He emphasizes the region as a litmus test for Western resolve against Russia. The discussion covers the historical context of Britain's support for Baltic independence, Germany's military rearmament following recent tensions, and the complex realities of Russia's military strategies. Moody paints a vivid picture of how Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania face unique challenges and resilience in today's uncertain climate.
