The Munk Debates Podcast

Friday Focus provides listeners with a focused, half-hour masterclass on the big issues, events and trends driving the news and current events. The show features Janice Gross Stein, the founding director of the Munk School of Global Affairs and bestselling author, in conversation with Rudyard Griffiths, Chair and moderator of the Munk Debates. Rudyard and Janice start the show with Trump's firing of CDC director Susan Monarez over disputes about vaccine policy, and the attempted dismissal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook in his bid to take control of the central bank and lower interest rates. In the second half of the show Rudyard and Janice turn to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Vladimir Putin brazenly launched a major ballistic and drone attack in Kyiv killing almost two dozen people, only ten days after his summit in Anchorage with the US President. Is it time to call Trump's attempt at a deal a foreign policy failure? In the remaining moments of the show Rudyard and Janice turn to events in the Middle East where Israeli troops are entering Gaza City as the first phase of a planned occupation. Why are both sides so unwilling to accept a ceasefire deal? And why is Trump so focused on ending the war in Ukraine while ignoring the destruction in Gaza? To support the Friday Focus podcast consider becoming a donor to the Munk Debates for as little as $25 annually, or $.50 per episode. Canadian donors receive a charitable tax receipt. This podcast is a project of the Munk Debates, a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to fostering civil and substantive public dialogue. More information at www.munkdebates.com.

In the past week alone there has been an FBI raid on John Bolton's home and a threat to investigate former New Jersey governor Chris Christie due to his criticism of Trump. Every day there are new indicators to suggest the US is rapidly descending into dictatorship, with the President using the power of his office for his own ends. How can Americans stop this momentum? Andrew and Rudyard then turn to Canada's ongoing trade war with the US. Mark Carney's repeated attempts at being a reasonable interlocutor engaging in good faith negotiations is met with provocation from the US President. Andrew suggests the PM try to manage chaos and stall for time instead of trying to reach a deal. This is a problem that shouldn't be solved; it should be managed. In the final moments of the show Andrew and Rudyard talk about Carney's visit to Ukraine and his offer to send Canadian troops as part of a future security guarantee. Is it time for Canada to accept its defense limitations and its inability to act as the peacemaker it has always aspired to be? Or should we welcome this offer as an opportunity to fulfill our long neglected NATO obligations?

The hosts dive into the fallout from the recent Trump-Putin meeting, revealing a stark shift in diplomatic dynamics. Tensions between Ukraine and Russia escalate as Putin demands demilitarization without NATO pathways. The discussion shifts to Canada’s trade challenges with the U.S., highlighting Carney's struggle to reset negotiations amidst retaliatory tariffs. Can Canada’s PM navigate the narrative he’s built as a defender against Trump while prioritizing the nation’s economic interests? The complexities of international diplomacy take center stage.

In a compelling discussion, Andrew Coyne, a Globe and Mail columnist known for his sharp political insights, delves into the recent high-stakes meeting involving Trump, Zelensky, and European leaders. Topics include the superficial nature of potential peace deals for Ukraine and the risks they pose to European security. Coyne questions the validity of Trump's security guarantees without NATO backing and critiques leaders' tendency to flatter him, risking their own credibility while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.

China's recent 75% tariff on Canadian canola brings agricultural tensions to the forefront, raising questions about retaliatory trade climates. The discussion delves into Canada's struggle between two superpowers and whether a reset with China is needed. Later, the hosts tackle the TIFF controversy over a documentary removal, highlighting concerns about free speech principles in Canadian cultural institutions. They emphasize the responsibility of publicly funded organizations to uphold diverse voices.

The discussion ignites around Netanyahu's controversial Gaza plan, prioritizing political survival over Israeli national interests. Tensions rise as the implications for displaced residents and hostages are scrutinized. Shifting gears, the focus turns to Ukraine, with concerns over Trump's possible deals with Putin that could alienate Europe. The hosts delve into historical perspectives, emphasizing Russia's divergent worldview compared to the West. Ultimately, both crises reveal complex intersections of politics and military strategy, raising ethical questions and urgent implications for the future.

Andrew Coyne, a columnist for The Globe and Mail, joins the discussion to explore the troubling state of American democracy under Donald Trump. He questions why Trump's radical policies face minimal pushback and whether he represents a flaw or an evolution in the system. The conversation shifts to Israel's strategy in Gaza, analyzing the government's lack of a coherent plan and the repercussions of military actions on international goodwill. Coyne emphasizes the dire need for resolution amid a host of unfavorable options.

A sudden 35% tariff imposed on certain Canadian goods raises questions about trade negotiations and economic sovereignty. Discussions revolve around the implications for key industries like aluminum and steel. Meanwhile, Canada's plan to recognize Palestinian statehood at the UN introduces tension, as it may complicate conflicts and strengthen adversarial positions. Notably, some Arab nations are calling for Hamas to disarm, hinting at shifting dynamics in the region.

Andrew Coyne, a columnist at the Globe and Mail and bestselling author, shares his insights on the recent EU-US trade deal, highlighting its shortcomings and the uncertainty it brings. He discusses the necessity for Canada to be prepared for Trump's ongoing tariff strategy. The conversation delves into supply management in Canadian agriculture, critiquing its benefits for wealthy businesses at the expense of poorer consumers. Coyne advocates for necessary reforms to enhance competition and equity in the market while addressing Canada's economic challenges.

The podcast dives into the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where starvation is used as a weapon. It questions the moral implications of such tactics and explores the failures of international aid efforts. Discussions highlight the need for urgent interventions from global security forces. Additionally, the potential recognition of Palestinian statehood by France raises questions about its impact on existing political dynamics and leadership. Can such declarations truly change the status quo, or are they merely symbolic gestures?