The Rachman Review

Takako Hikotani, a representative from the Asia Society Policy Institute, delves into Japan’s evolving defense strategies amid rising geopolitical tensions. She discusses how the war in Ukraine has shifted public attitudes towards security and the increased military threats from China. The podcast highlights Japan's complex balancing act between defense and diplomacy, its enhanced military collaboration with the U.S., and ambitions for deeper Pacific security partnerships. Hikotani also addresses Japan's unique challenges as the sole Asian G7 member in the global defense arena.

In this engaging discussion, Andriy Zagorodnyuk, a former defence minister and chair of the Centre for Defence Strategies in Kyiv, unpacks Ukraine's bold incursion into Russia's Kursk region. He delves into the strategic implications of this unexpected move, examining how it threatens Russian stability and could shift the tide in the ongoing conflict. The conversation highlights Ukraine's innovative warfare tactics and the vulnerabilities in Russian military responses, sparking renewed optimism for Ukraine's prospects in the war.

Phil Gunson, a senior analyst for the International Crisis Group based in Caracas, and Michael Shifter, former president of the Inter-American Dialogue, delve into Venezuela's chaotic political landscape. They question how Nicolás Maduro can retain power amid claims of election fraud and increasing dissent. The duo discusses Venezuela's dire economic situation, the implications of international mediation, and the growing authoritarianism that threatens the nation’s future. The conversation is a riveting exploration of a country at a critical crossroads.

Emile Hokayem, a Middle East expert from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, joins Andrew England to dissect the region's escalating tensions. They delve into the implications of recent Israeli assassinations of Hamas leaders and the looming threats of Iranian retaliation. The discussion highlights the precarious balance between military strategies and the potential for broader conflict. Hokayem emphasizes the preference of Iran and Hezbollah for smaller engagements to avoid all-out war while navigating complex diplomatic relationships in a volatile landscape.

In a captivating discussion, Sylvie Kauffmann, the editorial director of Le Monde, analyzes the unexpected success of the Paris Olympics amidst France's political turmoil. She highlights how initial skepticism has shifted to enthusiasm and reflects on the vibrant yet controversial opening ceremony. They explore the challenges posed by safety concerns and the high costs of environmental cleanup. The talk also touches on France's heightened security measures, diplomatic aspirations, and the potential for the Olympics to act as a catalyst for national unity.

Jacob Heilbrunn, editor of the National Interest magazine, predicts Kamala Harris could win big in the US presidential election. They discuss Harris's strengths, potential running mates, and the chaos under Trump's presidency. Analysis includes global implications of recent political events.

Gideon chats with Ed Luce about the drama in the US presidential race. They discuss Trump's escape from an assassination attempt, his potential second term, and the Democrats' strategy. Topics include Republican confidence, Biden's age, proposed political system changes, Supreme Court rulings, media roles, and foreign policy implications.

Charles Grant, Director of the London-based Centre for European Reform think-tank, discusses Keir Starmer's challenges in resetting EU relations and the impact of French political disarray on European leadership. Topics include Brexit, UK's new leadership, Macron's proposals, global changes on the EU, and the Ukraine war's impact on UK-EU relations.

Former head of MI6, John Sawers, discusses the Israel-Hamas conflict and prospects for peace in Gaza. Topics include regional power dynamics, Iran's nuclear progress, challenges faced by the Iranian regime, political dynamics in Egypt and Turkey, and the need for a political process in the Middle East.

Former US state department official Jeremy Shapiro discusses the potential second term of Trump and the various factions shaping his foreign policy. They explore the implications of Trump's policies on global affairs, including the influence of different ideologies and key challenges in shaping his decisions.