The Briefing Room

Heather Conley, a senior advisor at the German Marshall Fund, Elisabeth Braw from the Atlantic Council, and Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor at The Economist, dive into the uncertainties of European defense post-Trump's victory. They explore NATO's challenges, especially the struggle for fair defense spending among member states. The conversation examines Trump's transactional approach and its impact on Europe’s military readiness, alongside the rising threats from Russia and the need for stronger alliances amid changing geopolitical landscapes.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered the first Labour Budget in 14 years. Naturally there was a flurry of instant responses to individual tax measures, but what about the big picture? Well, more than a week has passed, and the dust is settling. We thought it was time to return to a panel of experts who we spoke to in September. Is this really a once in a generation budget? What will it mean for the government’s finances and services? Will it bring much needed growth? And what might the re-election of Donald Trump mean for the British economy? Guests:Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies Mehreen Khan, economics editor of The Times Chris Giles, economics commentator at The Financial Times.Presenter: David Aaronovitch Producers: Charlotte McDonald, Diane Richardson and Kirsteen Knight Sound engineer: Rod Farquhar and Neva Missirian Editor: Richard Vadon Production Co-ordinator: Gemma Ashman

David Aaronovitch and guests discuss the recent events in Lebanon. Israel has been widely blamed for a series of pager and walkie-talkie attacks targeting members of Hezbollah. Does this mark the invention of a new kind of warfare and what might the wider consequences be for the region?Guests:Shashank Joshi, The Economist's defence editor Professor Lina Khatib, Director of the Middle East Institute at SOAS University of London Ronen Bergman, Israeli investigative journalist for The New York TimesPresenter: David Aaronovitch Producers: Natasha Fernandes and Ben Carter Sound engineer: Neil Churchill Editor: Richard Vadon

Join Guy Chazan, the Financial Times' Berlin bureau chief, Dr. Constanze Stelzenmuller from the Brookings Institution, and Marcel Fratzscher, president of DIW Berlin, alongside economist Thiemo Fetzer, as they dive into the turbulent landscape of contemporary German politics. They tackle the alarming rise of the far-right AfD party, dissect the challenges of coalition governance, and explore Germany's economic stagnation amid rising energy costs. Insightful discussions on voter motivations and the implications for future elections add depth to this critical analysis.

Paul Johnson, Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, joins a compelling discussion on the UK's dire economic state. He tackles the £22 billion deficit and its implications for government accountability and spending. The intricacies of the tax system are scrutinized, from capital gains to tax relief, amidst calls for fairness in contributions. Despite the grim budget forecast, there's a glimmer of cautious optimism as economists weigh potential growth against the backdrop of global challenges. It's a captivating dive into fiscal complexities!

Dr. Jonas Albarnaz, a pox virus expert from The Pirbright Institute, joins Dr. Lilith Whittles, a lecturer focused on infectious disease analysis, Dr. Josie Golding, head of epidemiology at The Wellcome Trust, and Trudie Lang, a global health professor. They dive into the emerging Mpox outbreak, discussing its origins, symptoms, and the challenges of viral mutation. The group highlights the urgent need for research on vaccine distribution and the implications of evolving transmission dynamics as they navigate global health preparedness.

David Aaronovitch and guests discuss the risk of escalation on Russian borders and further afield and explore what form that might take if it were to happen.Guests:Natia Seskuria, founder and executive director of the Regional Institute for Security Studies (RISS), a Tbilisi-based think tank Dr Jack Watling, Senior Research Fellow for Land Warfare at the Royal United Services Institute, Michael Clarke, Professor of Defence studies and Specialist Advisor to the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy Mark Galeotti, writer on Russian security affairs and director of the consultancy Mayak Intelligence Presenter: David Aaronovitch Producers: Ben Carter, Kirsteen Knight and Drew Hyndman Sound engineers: James Beard and Nigel Appleton Editor: Richard Vadon

Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, a BBC Asia correspondent in Taipei, joins experts Amanda Hsiao, a Senior Analyst for China, Dr. Lauren Dickey, a Taiwan analyst, and Shashank Joshi, the defence editor at The Economist. Together, they navigate the complexities of China’s push for 'peaceful reunification' with Taiwan. They discuss Taiwan’s crucial role in semiconductor production, the historical claims fueling tensions, and the intricate military dynamics involved. The conversation also addresses strategies for countering Chinese blockades and the geopolitical implications in the South China Sea.

Shashank Joshi, the defence editor at The Economist, Professor Lina Khatib, Director of the Middle East Institute at SOAS, and Dr. Burcu Ozcelik, a Senior Research Fellow at RUSI, explore the fraught landscape of the Middle East. They discuss the risks of wider conflict stemming from recent uprisings and the complex dynamics between Israel and Iran. With a focus on Hezbollah's capabilities, U.S. foreign policy's potential shifts, and the global ramifications of the Gaza conflict, the conversation is both timely and insightful.

Angela Rayner, the Housing Secretary, reveals her vision for a new National Planning Policy Framework aimed at boosting economic growth. Sir John Armitt, chair of the UK’s National Infrastructure Commission, shares insights on planning complexities and infrastructure challenges. Catriona Riddell discusses the shift of planning responsibilities to local authorities and its ensuing complications. Anthony Breach critiques recent reform proposals, highlighting misconceptions about planning as a barrier to development, while emphasizing the need for streamlined approaches to housing and infrastructure.