David Blunkett, former Labour cabinet minister and political veteran, offers his insights on Keir Starmer's recent diplomatic successes and leadership style. He discusses the government's welfare cuts and draws lessons from Alastair Campbell on effective communication. Meanwhile, Anna Foster, the new BBC Radio 4 presenter, reflects on her career journey, the importance of community engagement, and the evolving landscape of journalism. Together, they highlight the urgent challenges of youth unemployment and the need for coherent policies in today's fragmented society.

In the first six weeks of his second term Donald Trump has rewritten US foreign policy, fractured the Nato alliance, dismantled parts of the US government and signed various presidential orders on everything from border security to diversity programmes. In this episode Nick and Amol are joined by Brian Klaas, professor of global politics at University College London and a writer for The Atlantic magazine, who thinks Trump is undermining democracy and global security (07:44).And Nick tells Amol about his exclusive interview with Rishi Sunak (44:36).To get Amol and Nick's take on the biggest stories and insights from behind the scenes at the UK's most influential radio news programme make sure you hit subscribe on BBC Sounds. That way you’ll get an alert every time we release a new episode, and you won’t miss our extra bonus episodes either. GET IN TOUCH: * Send us a message or a voice note via WhatsApp to +44 330 123 4346 * Email today@bbc.co.uk The Today Podcast is hosted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson who are both presenters of BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. Amol was the BBC’s media editor for six years and is the former editor of the Independent, he’s also the current presenter of University Challenge. Nick has presented the Today programme since 2015, he was the BBC’s political editor for ten years before that and also previously worked as ITV’s political editor. This episode was made by Lewis Vickers with Nadia Gyane and Grace Reeve. Digital production was by Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Jonny Baker. The editor is Louisa Lewis. The executive producer is Owenna Griffiths.

Rachel Ellehuus, the new Director General of RUSI and former US military strategist, alongside Fiona Hill, former chief of staff to Theresa May and Russia expert, dive into the implications of Keir Starmer’s increased defense spending amid humanitarian concerns. They discuss the shifting dynamics of UK defense policies, navigating diplomatic relations with Donald Trump, and the challenges of military recruitment in a changing global landscape. Anecdotes and insights about personal rapport between leaders add a layer of intrigue to these pressing topics.

Bridget Kendall, a former BBC diplomatic correspondent and Russia expert, teams up with Jeremy Hunt, the former UK foreign secretary. They discuss Trump's surprising claims about Ukraine's President Zelensky, questioning Trump's alignment with Russian narratives. The conversation pivots to the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations and the implications for NATO and European defense. They also address how social media shapes youth engagement in global issues, highlighting the generational divide on pressing topics like climate change.

Nadia Whittome, a young Labour MP focused on addressing issues for Gen Z, joins Lord Willetts, a former Conservative minister and economic inequality advocate. They dive into why today's youth feel disillusioned, touching on economic hardships and far-right political shifts. The conversation also explores the generational wealth divide, with insights on the reliance on inheritance and the pressing need for innovative support like universal basic income. The discussion is an eye-opener into the struggles and perspectives shaping the younger generation's future.

Join Emily Thornberry, a seasoned Labour MP and chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, alongside Raoul Ruparel, former advisor on trade and Brexit, as they tackle the quagmire of UK-US relations under Trump. They delve into the implications of tariffs threatening the EU, and dissect Trump's controversial vision for Gaza. With insights on navigating post-Brexit trade dynamics and reasserting Britain's role on the global stage, this conversation is packed with compelling perspectives on the challenges ahead.

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist, joins Amol for a compelling discussion. He shares inspiring stories from his Seattle childhood and the founding of Microsoft, highlighting the importance of early exposure to technology. Gates reflects on economic challenges and the potential of innovation for global betterment. They also delve into contemporary tech issues, emphasizing the need for regulatory oversight in areas like AI and the influence of figures like Elon Musk on society. His insights combine nostalgia with a forward-looking vision for the future.

Justin Webb, a fellow presenter at Today, interviews Rachel Reeves, a prominent politician advocating for economic growth. Their conversation weaves through the complexities of balancing infrastructure projects with environmental concerns, like protecting bats. They dissect the implications of expanding Heathrow and discuss the necessity of face-to-face dialogues in politics. Reeves critiques current energy strategies amid rising costs, emphasizing the need for coherent policies that genuinely benefit everyday families.

Sir Alex Younger, former head of MI6, sheds light on the fragile state of global security amidst Donald Trump's return to power. He discusses how the world is shifting into an 'era of the deal,' which could make international relations more precarious. The conversation also explores the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for strategic diplomacy. Younger's insights into evolving power dynamics highlight the growing challenges faced by European allies and the impact of authoritarian regimes on global politics.

Justin Webb, a Fellow Today presenter who covered Donald Trump's inauguration, joins the discussion from Washington, D.C. The conversation dives into Trump's immediate executive actions and their implications on immigration and climate policy. They explore the potential for Trump's prosecution post-presidency and his relationships with tech leaders like Elon Musk. The episode also humorously highlights the campy appeal of Trump's merchandise, and the challenges media faces in covering his administration, all while reflecting on the dynamics of political messaging today.