Best of the Spectator

Donald Trump’s stunning attack on Venezuela has the world wondering what his next move might be. What does it mean for Iran, Russia, and the future of the global order? Freddy Gray is joined by Owen Matthews and Paul Wood to discuss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tim Shipman, a seasoned political editor known for his insights into UK politics, teams up with Sonia Sodha, an expert on social policy and gender issues. They dive into a surprising Mumsnet poll revealing that one in five users plan to vote for Reform, signaling a shift in political sentiment among mothers. The discussion explores whether gender issues and the debate over single-sex spaces are reshaping trust in Labour. They also touch on how wider concerns like the economy and healthcare are driving voters towards alternatives, indicating a fragmented political landscape.

Joining the discussion are Tim Shipman, a political editor renowned for his insights into British politics, Freddy Gray, who analyzes US affairs and the Trump era, and Mary Wakefield, a columnist focusing on cultural shifts. They delve into Farage's ambitious plans for political power amidst recruitment challenges. Freddy tackles the nuances of Trump’s 'Donroe Doctrine,' while Mary reveals Generation Z's declining sexual activity, attributing it to societal pressures and the impact of technology on dating. They also share personal insights on guiding their children through these modern dilemmas.

Freddy Gray chats with Joshua Trevino, a political analyst and Chief Transformation Officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, who dives into the intricacies of Latin American narco-states. They explore how U.S. withdrawal paved the way for cartels and discuss potential military targets, including Mexico and Cuba. Trevino highlights Marco Rubio's influence, the resilience of Colombia's civil society, and the historical lessons of U.S. interventions. The conversation also touches on the geopolitical implications of China's rising presence in the region.

In a riveting discussion, the hosts dive into Donald Trump’s audacious raid on Venezuela, exploring its implications for power dynamics and national interests. They debate if this move was rogue or just typical state behavior. The controversy surrounding the Chagos Islands raises questions about Britain’s foreign policy and national credence. They also tackle police handling of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and the growing societal impact of weight-loss drugs, considering what might happen as prices drop.

Paul Goodman, a Conservative peer and former editor of ConservativeHome, shares insights on Kemi Badenoch's recent political performance. William Atkinson, a Spectator writer, highlights her improved media skills and PMQ effectiveness while cautioning about potential long-term brand damage. Lara Brown, fellow commentator, points out that despite Kemi's growth, the party faces deeper issues influencing polling. The panel debates whether recent improvements lessen the case for leadership change before upcoming local elections.

Cosmo Landesman, a provocative writer, argues that life is too short for boring shows, sharing his personal experiences of walking out and the moral freedom it brings. Alex Diggins explores the striking Antony Gormley installation at the Bukhara Biennale, discussing Uzbekistan's cultural renaissance and its implications for art diplomacy. Lucy Dunn dives into the rise of Buzzballs, the popular party drink, while Richard Bratby critiques a lively student production of L'amour des Trois Oranges and highlights the pitfalls in Ariodante's execution.

Jacob Heilbrunn, editor of The National Interest, shares keen insights on the recent U.S. military operations in Venezuela and the implications of detaining Nicolás Maduro. He analyzes Trump's America First doctrine, discussing the strategic motivations behind targeting Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves and the potential regional backlash. The conversation unveils the delicate balance of power between the U.S., China, and Russia, while warning of the risks of entanglement in counterinsurgency. Lastly, Heilbrunn predicts the future leadership landscape in Venezuela.

Join a deep dive into the shifting tides of UK politics as polling expert Sir John Curtice analyzes recent seismic changes. Discover how Reform UK's rise challenges the traditional Conservative-Labour duopoly, revealing the growing significance of the Greens. Explore the decline of major party support, driven by fragmentation and evolving voter identities. Curtice discusses cultural divides, the impact of leadership unpopularity, and the UK's potential shift to a multiparty landscape. Insights into regional dynamics in Scotland, Wales, and England add a layer of intrigue.

Rupert Hawksley, Opinion editor and co-author of 'The Boring Twenties', shares insights on the cultural stagnation of the current decade, driven by the high cost of living. Michael Simmons, Economics editor, highlights the worrying trends of population decline and its implications. Philip Hensher, author and academic, critiques the monetization of leisure activities and discusses the generational gap in theatre audiences. The panel also humorously debates theatre etiquette and explores quirky alternatives like speakeasies and trendy BuzzBallz drinks.