The Decibel

Mark Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, has just been elected as the new leader of the Liberal Party, making him Canada's next Prime Minister. He discusses his unprecedented journey into politics, facing significant challenges as an untested leader. Carney's victory, capturing an astounding 86% of the vote, signals a shift in the party's direction. With looming threats from opponents and international pressures, he highlights strategies for economic conservatism and party unity as he prepares for a tumultuous political future.

Doug Saunders, an international affairs columnist for the Globe and Mail, shares his insights on how Trump's presidency has reshaped global alliances. He discusses the unexpected pause on tariffs and the resulting strain on U.S. relationships with Canada and Mexico. Saunders also explores the shift in European defense strategies and the resurgence of U.S. imperialism echoing historical practices. He emphasizes the fragility of global democracies amid rising authoritarianism and the urgent need for cooperative efforts to counter these threats.

Nathan VanderKlippe, an international correspondent for The Globe, dives into the recent trade tensions and negotiations between the U.S. and Canada. He sheds light on a pivotal phone call between President Trump and Prime Minister Trudeau and discusses the role of Howard Lutnick in the trade talks. VanderKlippe also unpacks the temporary reprieve from automotive tariffs and its significance for both economies. The conversation further explores the complexities surrounding trade, fentanyl issues, and the push for economic stability amidst uncertainty.

U.S. President Donald Trump‘s 25 per cent tariffs are now in effect on Canadian goods entering the U.S., with 10 per cent on energy. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hit back with countertariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods.If the trade war continues, inflation will start to rise, jobs will be lost, and economists project a likely recession. And with growing sentiment that Trump’s motivations could go beyond stated security concerns at the Canada-U.S. border, Trudeau is taking a more blunt approach.Campbell Clark, the Globe’s chief political writer, joins the show to break down the first day of the trade war, and what Trudeau’s response tells us about this moment.Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to follow through on his economic threat against North American neighbours – his government plans to impose 25 per-cent tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico. In response, the Canadian government said it would retaliate with tariffs of its own. The tariff plan disrupts Canada’s most important economic relationship and would effectively throw the two nations into a trade war.Nojoud Al Mallees is The Globe’s economics reporter. She explains exactly what Trump said he’d do, what tools Canada can use to fight back and the serious pressure the economy could soon be under.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com

Geoffrey York, Globe correspondent and Africa Bureau Chief, shares his insights from a rare reporting trip to Iran. He discusses the bold defiance of ordinary Iranians, especially women, against strict dress code laws despite government crackdowns. York highlights stories of resistance, including films challenging censorship and the evolving attitudes of Iranian men towards women's rights. This cultural uprising reveals a society quietly rebelling against oppressive laws, showcasing a resilient spirit amid economic hardship and political turmoil.

Chris Hayes, host of MSNBC's All In and author of The Siren's Call, dives into how modern distractions have commodified our attention. He discusses the strategies used by figures like Donald Trump to exploit attention scarcity, likening social media to a slot machine that detracts from meaningful interactions. Hayes emphasizes the therapeutic power of focused thinking in addressing global issues like climate change and critiques the role of tech moguls in shaping public discourse. Ultimately, he advocates for nurturing deeper connections in a fragmented digital landscape.

Alexandra Posadski, a financial and cybersecurity reporter for The Globe, dives into the alarming rise of deepfake scams targeting both individuals and businesses. She discusses how scammers use generative AI to create convincing fake identities, often leading to significant financial losses. The podcast reveals the urgent need for better regulations and offers practical tips, like establishing a family passcode system, to protect against these impersonation scams. Alexandra sheds light on both the dark implications of this technology and emerging solutions to combat these threats.

Hamida Ghafour, The Globe’s Deputy Foreign Editor, provides a deep analysis of the ceasefire in Gaza. She discusses the emotional toll of hostage exchanges that have sparked outrage in Israel. Ghafour delves into the complex political landscape, shedding light on the challenges of sustaining peace amidst ongoing tensions. She explores potential governance solutions for Gaza after the conflict and the implications for regional politics. The podcast highlights the heartbreaking stories of affected families and the fragile hope for future negotiations.

Jeff Gray, an Ontario politics reporter for The Globe and Mail, dives into the complexities of the provincial election. He discusses how the early election call by Premier Doug Ford has disrupted voter engagement. Gray highlights the significant impact of U.S. tariffs and economic pressures on candidates' strategies. Healthcare crises, like staff shortages, also take center stage, along with housing policy challenges that shape public sentiment. Opposition parties must navigate these obstacles to make headway against Ford's controversial government.