The Rachman Review

Alec Russell, the Financial Times’ foreign editor and veteran international journalist, examines whether today’s conflicts could spiral into a global war. They discuss the failures of diplomacy before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, nuclear escalation, the Gaza war, Trump’s shifting approach, China’s pressure on Taiwan, and the uncertainty surrounding America’s global commitments.

Emile Hokayem, a Middle East security analyst and author of The Gulf at War, examines the Houthis’ missile campaign against Saudi Arabia. They discuss the rebels’ demands, resilience in mountain warfare, and Saudi Arabia’s limited military options. The conversation also explores threats to Vision 2030, Riyadh’s uneasy reliance on Washington, Iran’s regional strategy, and why Gulf security matters globally.

Oliver Stuenkel, a Brazilian politics professor and Carnegie fellow, examines Flávio Bolsonaro’s rise and what a dynastic return could mean. He explores Brazil’s deep polarization, the strength of Bolsonaro’s congressional base, threats to Amazon protections, and closer ties with Trump. The conversation also looks at relations with China and Latin America, economic constraints, and who would really wield power in the Bolsonaro family.

Toby Ord, an Oxford philosopher and AI governance researcher, explores whether advanced AI could threaten humanity. They discuss deceptive AI agents, opaque machine communication, shutdown challenges and four paths to human disempowerment. Ord also examines superintelligence firewalls, the US-China race, corporate incentives, international regulation and why AI safety warnings deserve serious attention.

Francis Fukuyama, the Stanford political scientist and author of The End of History, revisits the ideas that made him famous. He explores resentment, recognition and the pressures facing liberal democracy, including Donald Trump’s ambitions, China and Russia’s status anxiety, and his own shift away from neoconservatism. He also considers how AI could threaten work, dignity and democratic stability.

David Miliband, former UK foreign secretary and president of the International Rescue Committee, examines a world beset by escalating conflict and retreating diplomacy. He discusses the Middle East’s risk of a forever war, record humanitarian need, collapsing aid budgets, America’s retreat from global leadership, and whether Europe and other middle powers can stabilize the system. He also explores the urgent need for AI guardrails.

Kim Ghattas, Lebanese-American journalist and author of Black Wave; Tom Tugendhat, former British security minister; and Sir John Sawers, ex-MI6 chief, examine a world under pressure. They connect the wars in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan with tensions over Taiwan. The discussion explores Iran’s strain, Britain’s security and energy risks, Europe’s defence future, nuclear choices and the difficult paths toward ceasefires and lasting peace.

Emma Ashford, a Stimson Center senior fellow and Foreign Policy columnist, examines Washington’s new “economic D-Day” against Iran. She discusses whether sanctions can force regime change, why China and India may resist, and how pressure could strain US-China ties. The conversation also explores Hormuz, energy markets, market complacency, Russia’s experience with sanctions, and America’s shifting military priorities.

Thant Myint-U, former UN official, historian and grandson of U Thant, reflects on the UN’s relevance and funding crisis. He compares past and present Security Council deadlock. He revisits his grandfather’s peacemaking successes and explains why neutral UN mediation still matters. He outlines the traits needed in the next secretary-general and the opaque power plays that shape the selection.

Simon Sebag Montefiore, historian and author of The Cauldron, explores how the Ottoman legacy, post‑WWI carve‑ups and Ataturk reshaped the region. He traces Nasserism, the 1948 wars and Israel’s strengths and vulnerabilities. He assesses Iran’s resilience and ambitions and asks whether US influence is waning as Russia, China and regional powers jockey for position.