The Rachman Review

Robin Niblett, Warden of New College, Oxford and former Chatham House chief, explores how middle powers can navigate an unpredictable world. They discuss cooperation on defence, trade and AI, the constraints of dependence on superpowers, and why historic rivals may need to work together. Niblett also considers the EU’s limits and the fading American-led order.

Edward Luce, the Financial Times’ US national editor, examines the fallout from the Democrats’ midterm sweep. They discuss Trump’s divided government, investigations, Iran and foreign-policy freedom, shifting attitudes toward Israel, and the Republican succession race. The conversation also explores the Democrats’ unsettled 2028 coalition, MAGA’s future, Hispanic voters’ backlash against harsh enforcement, and how Trump has reshaped America by 2029.

Dahlia Scheindlin, an Israeli political analyst and Haaretz columnist, examines Benjamin Netanyahu’s stronger-than-expected election showing. She explores the coalition deadlock, Arab parties’ potential leverage, Israel’s rightward shift, settler violence, judicial constraints, and growing international isolation. She also considers Gadi Eisenkot’s political future and the possible routes Netanyahu could take to remain in power.

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.