The New Statesman | UK politics and culture

Harry Shukman, a journalist and researcher at HOPE not hate, shares his gripping account of going undercover in the British far right. He reveals the unsettling rise of groups like the Basket Weavers, their ideologies, and cult-like dynamics. Shukman discusses the alarming connections between far-right extremism and mainstream politics, shedding light on their influence, organization, and troubling funding. His experiences expose the disturbing conversations happening behind closed doors, illuminating a hidden threat to society.

Sarah Churchwell, Professor of American Literature, and Erica Wagner, an insightful critic and editor, dive into the enduring relevance of The Great Gatsby. They explore how Fitzgerald's novel reflects the complexities of the American dream and social classes. With a focus on the Roaring Twenties, they discuss how the historical context shaped Gatsby's narrative. Their analysis reveals the interplay between realism and symbolism, drawing parallels between Gatsby's ambitions and modern political figures. This conversation highlights why this classic still captivates readers today.

Join Ben Walker, a senior data journalist specializing in election trends, and George Eaton, a senior editor with sharp insights into UK politics, as they dive into the seismic shifts in British political dynamics following recent elections. They explore how Nigel Farage's Reform Party is shaking up the landscape, revealing vulnerabilities in the Labour Party and potential ramifications for Conservative fortunes. The discussion spotlights unexpected mayoral successes, Labour's declining appeal, and the struggles that political leaders face in maintaining control amidst these changes.

Megan Gibson, the international editor at the New Statesman, brings her insights on a groundbreaking minerals deal between Ukraine and the U.S., shedding light on its potential to deter Russian aggression. She discusses the evolving dynamics of support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. The conversation also touches on Canada's changing political landscape, highlighting the rise of the Conservative Party under Pierre Poilievre and how international issues influence domestic politics, particularly in the context of Trump’s legacy.

In the short period which has elapsed since Donald Trump took office (again) in January, he has slashed public health funding, gone after education, attacked media freedom, and challenged the authority of the legal system of the courts.Some of this seems outright reckless, but some of the actions taken by this Trump administration mirror the political trajectories of countries like Hungary, el Salvador, Turkey, and Russia. Countries where democracy has crumbled and autocracy has taken hold.Katie Stallard is joined by Kim Lane Scheppele, a scholar of law and politics at Princeton University and Lucan Way, distinguished professor of democracy at the University of Toronto. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast dives into the controversial topic of billionaires and their impact on society. The hosts debate whether their wealth truly benefits the nation or exacerbates inequality. They also tackle pressing issues like council tax reform and the political struggle to engage diverse voters. Furthermore, the rise of new political movements in response to Labour's recent actions is discussed, highlighting the shifting dynamics in UK politics. With insights on philanthropy and economic contributions, they explore the dual nature of billionaire influence.

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.