
These Times
UnHerd political editor Tom McTague and Cambridge professor Helen Thompson team up to investigate the history of today’s politics — and what it means for our future. Each week they will explore the great forces, ideas and events that led us to where we are, whether in Britain, the United States, Europe or beyond. It’s a politics podcast for those who want a deeper, historical understanding of the news, to understand what has really shaped our world and why. We hope you enjoy! Don’t forget to rate, like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts — and, of course, to get in touch with all your questions and comments so we can respond in future episodes. Email us at thesetimes@unherd.com or tweet us at @thesetimespod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Mar 19, 2024 • 1h 1min
What’s the Matter with Western Europe?
Exploration of the economic binds of France and Germany, geopolitical challenges faced by Western Europe post-2008 financial crisis, power shifts between US, EU, and China, impact of shale oil boom on energy dynamics, divergence in US and EU economies, analysis of EU's single market, Europe's defense capabilities dilemma, and divergent approaches of Western European powers towards US relations and geopolitics.

Mar 12, 2024 • 59min
What's the Point of Emmanuel Macron?
This week, Tom and Helen turn to France's divisive leader, Emmanuel Macron, and explore whether there is any strategic substance behind the grand speeches, declarations and interventions....Elsewhere at UnHerd, we have launched our new Spring Sale which gives subscribers unlimited access to our articles, subscriber-only app, and ability to join the conversation in the comment section, and that’s all for just £4.99 per year, and for all our UK listeners you can get your first month free. Just visit the link belowhttps://unherd.com/spring-sale/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 5, 2024 • 1h 1min
Britain's Lethal Economic Bind
In this week's episode Tom and Helen explore what has happened to the British economy over the past 20 years, and why is it becoming increasingly difficult for it to adjust to the new economic and geopolitical world.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 27, 2024 • 57min
Germany's Economic Reckoning
The podcast delves into Germany's economic struggles, energy shocks from Ukraine, and disruptions like strikes. It explores Germany's ties with China and Russia, challenges in maintaining autonomy, and the impact of global shifts. The episode also touches on retirement savings for Black Americans, Meta's dark side, and Germany's response to Russia's invasion. It highlights Germany's vulnerability to high energy prices, shifts in global relations, and internal divisions on approaches towards China.

Feb 20, 2024 • 1h 2min
Europe’s Reckoning with Ukraine
Exploring Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the challenges faced by the US and EU in protecting Ukraine's independence. Delving into geopolitical dynamics, gas pipelines, Trump impeachment, Biden's presidency, and Ukraine's role in global politics.

Feb 13, 2024 • 58min
The War for Ukraine: How History Came Roaring Back
The podcast explores the history of Ukrainian independence and its implications for Ukraine's future, Europe, and NATO. It discusses the geopolitical context leading to the Russo-Ukrainian war and the economic struggles and political challenges faced by Russia and Ukraine. The podcast also covers the Orange Revolution, Ukraine's dilemma in its relationship with Russia and the West, and the consequences of an independent Ukrainian nation state.

Feb 6, 2024 • 1h 1min
Biden Resumes America’s Forever War in Iraq
Podcast discusses recent US/UK led bombings in Iraq and Syria, the fragility of the US position in the Middle East, historical context of US involvement in the region, the decision to invade Iraq in 2003, challenges of imposing order in the Middle East, geopolitical significance of Bahrain, and the blurred line between reasserting deterrence and escalation in the region.

Jan 30, 2024 • 59min
Trump, the Borderlands, and a Global Crisis
In this podcast, the hosts discuss the border crisis in Texas and its potential impact on the upcoming elections. They explore Trump's political resurgence, Biden's changing political stance, and the Republican Party's divisions on Ukraine and border control. They also touch upon the complex relationship between Mexico, the United States, and China, and the impact of the fentanyl crisis on American voters.

Jan 23, 2024 • 1h 3min
Iran Lashes Out, with Ali Ansari
Ali Ansari, Director of Iranian Studies at St Andrews University, discusses the multifaceted nature of Iranian power, including recent attacks, the Iran-US relationship, and factions within Iran. The podcast also explores the ideology and ambitions of Iran as a political player, the evolving relationship between Iran, Russia, and China, and Iran's recent event in Pakistan.

13 snips
Jan 16, 2024 • 57min
The War for Taiwan
Exploring key hotspots and political dynamics in the Western Pacific; significance of Taiwan in the global competition between China and the United States; China's reliance on the Strait of Malacca for oil and gas imports; historical dominance of the United States in the Western Pacific; impact of the Korean War on American commitment to Taiwan; recent Taiwan election and its implications for Taiwan-China relationship; ambiguity surrounding Taiwanese election results and US-Taiwan relations
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