The Bunker – News without the nonsense

Ros and Jacob dive into the unclear identity of a new political party linked to key personalities and its implications for British politics. They explore the evolving dynamics within the Green Party and Labor, particularly surrounding leadership contests. The conversation turns to the authoritarian shift in communication styles and the impact of junior doctors' strikes on public trust in the NHS. They also critique governmental responses to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and celebrate the unifying power of England's women's football victory.

Shashank Joshi, Defence editor at The Economist, dives into the chilling resurgence of nuclear threats reminiscent of the Cold War. He analyzes the pivotal role of nuclear weapons in modern conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine, and discusses the growing nuclear arsenal of China, estimated at 600 warheads. The conversation highlights how nuclear capabilities influence global politics, the intricacies of international nuclear policies, and the ongoing tensions between nations like Russia and India. It's a compelling look at our precarious nuclear landscape.

In this engaging conversation, Andrew Rudalevige, a UCL Politics professor who specializes in American political institutions, dives deep into the troubling phenomena of Donald Trump's leadership style. He highlights how Trump’s defiance of court rulings and the use of executive orders threatens checks and balances. The discussion also critiques the Supreme Court's role in empowering presidential authority, suggesting a shift towards a quasi-monarchical system. Rudalevige raises critical questions about the future of democracy in this unprecedented political landscape.

OpenAI’s founders claimed they wanted to build ethical artificial intelligence for the benefit of humanity. So why is it now taking a $200 million contract from the US military? Today in The Bunker, Alex von Tunzelmann is joined by Mariarosaria Taddeo, Professor of Digital Ethics and Defence Technologies at Oxford University, to find out what A.I. means for the future of warfare.  • We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to https://indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.   www.patreon.com/bunkercast  Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bunkerpod.bsky.social  Written and presented by Alex von Tunzelmann. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editors: Dom Delargy. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, Daniel Treisman, a political science professor at UC and co-author of Spin Dictators, delves into the evolution of autocrats from Hitler to today. He reveals how modern leaders like Putin and Trump have adopted sophisticated tactics, shifting from overt brutality to subtle manipulation of public perception. Treisman highlights the role of technology in enabling state control and examines how contemporary autocrats strive for legitimacy while undermining democracy. The conversation emphasizes the resilience of civil society facing these challenges.

Explore urgent environmental hazards and their impact on communities. Delve into Keir Starmer's struggle for authority in the Labour Party and the significance of storytelling in politics. Learn about the challenges in the British water industry, from rising bills to outdated infrastructure. Discuss the humanitarian crisis in Palestine and the role of global support. Unpack geopolitical turmoil impacting Trump's political future and the complexities of his relationship with Murdoch's media empire.

Are you a progressive activist or a dissenting disruptor? These are two ends of a new group of political tribes identified by More in Common, in a report called Shattered Britain: Making sense of what Britons want in a country that feels broken. Luke Tryl, one of its authors and the UK director of More in Common, joins Alex von Tunzelmann to discuss how these groups have formed, how they move around, and what they mean for the shape and future of Britain’s politics.  • We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to https://indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.   www.patreon.com/bunkercast  Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bunkerpod.bsky.social  Written and presented by Jacob Jarvis. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this insightful discussion, Professor Kate Devlin, Chair-Director of the Digital Futures Institute, unpacks the intricate landscape of AI. She explores whether Starmer's faith in AI can deliver solutions or if it's overhyped. Topics include AI's success in healthcare, misconceptions about job displacement, and the risks of relying on AI for emotional support. Devlin warns against misplacing trust in machines, advocating for a balanced perspective on technology's role in society.

Kerry Brown, a Professor of Chinese Studies and Director at the Lau China Institute, delves into the speculation surrounding Xi Jinping's potential resignation. He highlights how internal loyalty may be more challenging for Xi than external pressures. The discussion also covers the lack of a visible successor, the implications for upcoming political transitions, and how global dynamics influence China's strategy towards Taiwan. Brown offers insights into Xi’s leadership challenges and the balance between maintaining power and ensuring stability in a complex political landscape.

Keir Giles, a Senior Consulting Fellow at Chatham House and expert on Russia's military strategies, shares insights into the precarious situation Ukraine faces. He discusses the recent wavering support from the U.S. and its implications for Ukraine’s defense. The conversation evaluates Trump’s influence on U.S. foreign policy regarding Russia, as well as the importance of European military commitments. Giles emphasizes Ukraine's need for consistent international aid to withstand Russian aggression and the complexities of navigating geopolitical relationships.