The Rachman Review

In this intriguing discussion, Dan Drezner, a political economy expert from Tufts, Leslie Vinjamuri, president of the Chicago Council, and Asia analyst James Crabtree dive into the tumultuous geopolitical landscape of 2025. They explore Trump's contradictory policies—from his tariff wars to efforts for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine, and shifts in US-China and US-India relations. Public opinion on tariffs, the impact of AI investment, and looming challenges for the 2026 midterms add layers to their analysis of a chaotic year.

In this engaging discussion, Lawson Naidoo, a civil society activist, and Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, a foreign policy expert, dive into Donald Trump's explosive claims about South Africa's race relations. Naidoo debunks the myth of white genocide and emphasizes issues of racial inequality and national unity. Sidiropoulos sheds light on the geopolitical implications of South Africa's diplomatic efforts, trade ties with the US, and the impact of political rhetoric on domestic stability. Together, they navigate a complex landscape of crime, government reforms, and economic prospects.

In a compelling discussion, Jens Stoltenberg, the former NATO Secretary General and Prime Minister of Norway, shares insights on Europe's strategic ties with the U.S. amid Trump's critiques. He emphasizes the need for military support for Ukraine to shift Putin's approach and navigate the intricate landscape of ceasefire negotiations. Stoltenberg reflects on NATO's resilience and the importance of increased allied spending. He candidly discusses the missed chances to arm Ukraine earlier and warns of global repercussions if Ukrainian forces fail.

Jacob Heilbrunn, editor of The National Interest and historian of the American right, delves into the fractures within the MAGA movement. He examines the fallout from Tucker Carlson’s controversial interviews and how extremist figures like Nick Fuentes are reshaping conservative politics. Heilbrunn also highlights a growing skepticism toward Israel among younger Republicans and discusses the political risks Trump faces regarding the Epstein files. He touches on the implications of these splits for the GOP's future and its ideological battles.

In a thought-provoking discussion, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen sheds light on critical foreign policy challenges. She critiques Trump's approach to Ukraine and emphasizes Congressional concerns about concessions to Russia. Shaheen also discusses bipartisan efforts in Congress regarding sanctions on China and Russia. The conversation dives into U.S. relations with NATO, the complexities of Middle Eastern diplomacy, and the risks surrounding Venezuela. Additionally, she reflects on the domestic implications of tariffs and the importance of civic engagement in preserving democracy.

Investors are pouring billions into innovative ways to extend human life. The focus on longevity has shifted from the wealthy elite to a broader market. Explore the fascinating idea of a nightly pill that could reverse cellular aging. Delve into the origins of our obsession with defying death, driven by wealth and power. However, the field is rife with potential scams, resembling a wild west of questionable practices. Join the hosts as they navigate the complex ethical and scientific terrain of this groundbreaking research.

Timothy Garton Ash, a historian and author known for his insights on European geopolitics, discusses the transformative impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war. He analyzes how crises shape Europe’s future and reflects on missed opportunities since 2014. The conversation explores the contrasting legacies of leaders like Angela Merkel and outlines the challenges Europe faces amid global tensions from Putin, Trump, and Xi. Ash emphasizes the need for strategic unity in defense spending and warns of the political risks from populism in upcoming elections.

Gideon Rachman chats with John Thornhill, Innovation Editor at the Financial Times, and Caiwei Chen, a China reporter for MIT Technology Review. They unpack the intense rivalry between the US and China for AI dominance. John highlights China’s innovative open models that enable rapid AI deployment. Caiwei discusses how China's infrastructure and government support may lead to broader societal AI applications. The conversation also touches on US chip export restrictions reshaping the AI landscape and the implications of regulatory approaches in both countries.

In this insightful discussion, historian Anne Applebaum delves into the implications of Trump's presidency and the rise of authoritarianism. She analyzes how January 6 shifted Trump's supporter base towards radicalism and reveals the ambitions of Project 2025 to fast-track controversial policies. Applebaum highlights the erosion of democratic norms through tactics like voter manipulation and using state institutions against opponents. She also examines the climate of fear affecting institutions and Trump's admiration for strongmen like Putin and Xi, illustrating the shifting landscape of American politics.

Michael Froman, former US Trade Representative and current president of the Council on Foreign Relations, joins to discuss the geopolitical tug-of-war between the US and China. He highlights the strategic importance of rare earths and examines China's export control strategies. Froman explains how automation affects manufacturing job gains and critiques the effectiveness of US tariffs compared to Chinese industrial policies. The conversation also touches on the future of tech competition and whether Trump's approach will have lasting impacts on US foreign policy.