Japan has been celebrating the end of a near 20-year deflationary cycle. But the country’s shrinking population remains a serious cause for concern. Gideon talks to the FT’s Kana Inagaki and Leo Lewis about whether the new mood of optimism about Japan is justified. Clip: BBC Free links to read more on this topic: Why good news for Japan may be bad news for hedge fundsJapan relaxes defence export rules to allow sales of new fighter jetUS and Japan plan biggest upgrade to security pact in over 60 yearsMarriage holds key to Japan’s falling birthsThe professor vs the PM: a political funding probe shakes Japan’s governmentSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Simon Panayi.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bastian Giegerich discusses Europe's defense vulnerabilities, the urgency to upgrade armed forces to counter the Russian threat, and the challenges in collaboration and funding for defense. The conversation explores the need for European defense policies, balancing power dynamics, national rivalries, and potential security crises.

Former Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull discusses the impact of a potential second Trump presidency. They delve into the role of Rupert Murdoch's media empire in US and Australian politics. Turnbull also reflects on the recent Aboriginal rights referendum in Australia.

Exploring the breakdown of the rule of law in Haiti with insights on the influence of past events, rising gang violence, and the country's struggle for stability amid political turmoil and foreign interventions.

Exploring the Israeli political landscape amidst Gaza conflict, Netanyahu's scorched earth policy, US aid to Gaza, Berlin and Paris outcry, US support tipping point, and the urgent need to end the catastrophe in Gaza.

Topics include Australia's relations with India and China, global threats like the war in Ukraine, concerns about a second Trump presidency, and the differing views on geopolitical challenges among Europeans, Indians, and others in the Indo-Pacific.

Discussion on Russia's threat to Europe and the potential consequences of a successful invasion of Ukraine. Analysis of Europe's defense capabilities without US aid. Insights from historian Anne Applebaum from the Munich Security Conference. Tensions between Russia, Ukraine, and NATO. American politicians' reactions and Trump's strategy in Ukraine. Europe's concerns over autocratic threats and strategic shifts in defense.

Discussion on China's property crisis and slowing growth rate, the notion of 'peak China', challenges facing China's economy, its economic challenges and political stability, and China's expanding power and influence in Southeast Asia.

Gideon Rachman talks to Mark Malloch-Brown, former deputy secretary-general of the UN, about the UN's impact on global security, policy on migration and refugees, and climate change. They also discuss the challenges facing the UN, including accusations of genocide in Gaza and the deadlock over Ukraine in the Security Council. The podcast explores the underappreciated work done by UN institutions and the moral authority of the organization. It also delves into the leadership styles of different Secretary Generals and the role of the UN in global politics.

Explore the ongoing 2024 US presidential election and the introduction of the Swamp Notes podcast. Get updates on Trump leading in the polls and Biden's campaign shifting focus. Dive into the biggest election stories of the week and discover the deeper themes behind the campaigns.