The Rachman Review

US efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine have so far not yielded anything close to a peace deal. Both Russia and Ukraine have objected to some aspects of the Trump administration's plan. What – if anything – might make a lasting peace possible? Gideon Rachman speaks to Sir Lawrence Freedman, emeritus professor of war studies at King's College London, about what each party wants from a peace deal.Free links to read more on this topic:Podcast: Future weapons: Ukraine's army of drone: https://on.ft.com/3GKlW00US and Ukraine sign natural resources deal https://on.ft.com/4iRd4mYSteve Witkoff, the Trump loyalist disrupting diplomacy https://on.ft.com/3EKE89qSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to the FT's Michael Stott about Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador, whose friendship with Donald Trump has been in the spotlight over his willingness to imprison US deportees, notably Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia. Clip: The White HouseFollow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanFree links to read more on this topic:Nayib Bukele: the TikTok authoritarian feted across Latin AmericaEl Salvador's Bukele refuses to repatriate man wrongly deported from USHow El Salvador became a model for the global far rightTrump is halfway to making America a police stateEl Salvador offers to swap Venezuelan US deportees for political prisonersSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nuclear talks between the US and Iran began last weekend in Oman, and are set to continue in the coming weeks. President Trump has warned that if the talks fail the US could take military action against the Islamic republic – an idea that Israel's government is pressing for. What might a new nuclear deal with Iran look like – and how might it change the geopolitical picture in the Middle East? Clip: The Express TribuneFollow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanFree links to read more on this topic:The false promise of regime change in Iran: https://on.ft.com/4ioWvylUS and Iran agree to follow-up talks over nuclear crisis: https://on.ft.com/4jtTSw4Is Iran on a collision course with the west?: https://on.ft.com/3Yzva5jSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to the economic historian Harold James about the economic and political implications of Donald Trump's tariffs. What are the similarities with the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930? What kind of forces will his decision to smash the global economic order unleash? Clip: CBC Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanFree links to read more on this topic: It falls to Congress to unravel Trump's reckless tariffsTrump's ‘reshoring' ambitions threatened by tariff chaosMarket turmoil strains bro-sphere's bromance with Donald TrumpTrump and the mob boss approach to global marketsMarkets could get a lot worse — and quicklySubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

German businessman Joerg Wuttke has been an observer of China since the 1980s, watching it evolve from backwater to superpower. He talks to Gideon about US-China rivalry and how Europe can find its place as a trading partner to both powers. Clip: CNBCFree links to read more on this topic:China launches large-scale military exercises around TaiwanChina's Xi Jinping tells top global CEOs to use their influence to defend tradeChina is suffering its own ‘China shock'BASF's Joerg Wuttke: ‘The essence of China is this warrior'Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Russia experts Catherine Belton and Arkady Ostrovsky about Vladimir Putin's goals. They discuss his early ambition to restore Russia's status as a global superpower. And they go on to analyse why, after a quarter of a century in power, Putin may see his best chance yet of achieving that goal - at a cost of hundreds of thousands of Russian lives. This episode is an edited recording of an event organised by Intelligence Squared that took place in central London earlier this month.Free links to read more on this topic:The age of the strongmanTrump, Putin, Xi and the new age of empireUS agrees maritime ceasefire deal with Ukraine and RussiaUkraine ceasefire: what is Vladimir Putin's game?Russia trained officers for attacks on Japan and South KoreaSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thirty years ago Mexico made a fateful decision to open its economy and engage with the US. Now that decision is being tested by Donald Trump's tariff threat. Gideon talks to Mexican economist Luis de la Calle about the impact this could have on his country's economy and that of the US. Clips: ABC News; Claudia Sheinbaum PardoFree links to read more on this topic:How Trump could destroy his own political movementHalf of Mexico's exports to US risk steep tariffsMexico's Claudia Sheinbaum is riding high on Donald Trump's trade warChina delays approval of BYD's Mexico plant amid fears tech could leak to USSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Follow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Europe is facing its biggest defence challenge since the second world war. This is compounded by the destabilising impact of US tariffs. So how is it measuring up? Gideon puts this question to Arancha González Laya, dean of the Paris School of International Affairs at Science Po and a former foreign minister of Spain. Clip: Emmanuel MacronFree links to read more on this topic:EU retaliates after Donald Trump's steel and aluminium tariffs take effectTrump is making Europe great againHow Europe can take up America's mantleSweden to expand arms and space capabilities without USSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Canada's Liberal party will elect a new leader this weekend and Chrystia Freeland is running to replace Justin Trudeau as prime minister. Donald Trump's belligerence towards his northern neighbour seems to have restored the party's popularity ahead of a general election this year. Chrystia tells host Gideon Rachman that Canadians are sticking together and that they have some strong cards to play.Follow Gideon on X @gideonrachman or Bluesky @gideonrachman.bsky.social.Gideon Rachman is the chief foreign affairs commentator at the Financial Times. You can find his column here. Want more? Free links:Donald Trump's tariffs loom suddenly through the fog of trade warEurope has bought Zelenskyy some timeDonald Trump warns tariffs will cause ‘a little disturbance' in defiant speechPresented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen TurnerRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon tests the mood in Kiev three years after the Russian invasion as the Trump presidency upends previous tenets of international politics. He talks to Ukrainian MP Lesia Vasylenko and Oleksandr Khomiak, director of Drone Space Labs, a defence start-up. Clip: European CommissionFree links to read more on this topic:Ukraine agrees minerals deal with USUS drives Ukraine war measure through UN with Russian backingVolodymyr Zelenskyy's toughest battle beginsNow is the time for Europe really to step up on UkraineSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Follow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon dissects US vice-president JD Vance's incendiary speech at the Munich Security Conference with German businessman Mathias Döpfner. They discuss the state of the transatlantic relationship and how Donald Trump's actions towards Russia and Ukraine could mark a turning point. They are then joined by FT colleague Laura Pitel to talk about Döpfner's media empire Axel Springer and the cancellation of federal government subscriptions to the Politico Pro news service. Clip: The White HouseFree links to read more on this topic:Donald Trump calls Volodymyr Zelenskyy a ‘dictator' as US rift with Ukraine deepensVance's real warning to EuropeHow Europe can defend itself without US helpEurope's dependence on US tech is a critical weaknessDonald Trump opens the door to Vladimir Putin's grandest ambitionsSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Follow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Daniel Drezner, a professor of international politics at Tufts University in the US, about why it's no longer possible to trust America and what the rest of the world can expect from the Trump presidency. Clip: CBCFree links to read more on this topic:Tariffs won't bring back America's unipolar moment'Cost and chaos': Donald Trump's metal tariffs sweep across corporate AmericaTrump is giving a green light to corporate corruption abroadTrump is forcing Europe to a reckoning on UkraineTrump, Putin, Xi and the new age of empireSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Follow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Andrew England, the FT's Middle East editor, about the US president's 'crazy' plan for a takeover of the Gaza Strip. And he talks to Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid about the prospects for his country as it finally returns to peace and stability.Free links to read more on this topic:Middle East and Europe condemn Donald Trump's plans to take over GazaDonald Trump's Gaza plan resurrects grandiose Middle East playbookThe deceptively negotiable Donald TrumpSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Follow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Muhammad Yunus, interim leader of Bangladesh, who was invited by students to take charge after their revolution last July. He describes the alleged corruption that took hold when Sheikh Hasina was in office and his vision for a better future for the country. Clip: APFree links to read more on this topic:Bangladesh hires Big Four audit firms to review ‘robbed' banksTycoon threatens international legal action against Bangladesh over ‘destroyed' investmentsBangladesh's unlikely revolutionaries: an 84-year-old and some studentsBangladesh requests UK minister's bank account details in corruption probeBangladesh central banker accuses tycoons of ‘robbing banks' of $17bn with spy agency helpSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Donald Trump begins his second term as US president, and Russia presses forward in Ukraine, Gideon Rachman speaks to Finland's President Alexander Stubb about Europe's place in the world. They also discuss the risk of strategic irrelevance in Europe, the rise of the far right, Finland's position in Nato – and whether other European countries need to be a bit more like Finland. Clip: ReutersFollow Gideon on X @gideonrachman or Bluesky @gideonrachman.bsky.social.Gideon Rachman is the chief foreign affairs commentator at the Financial Times. You can find his column here. More on this topic:‘Will President Trump even notice Europe?' asks Volodymyr Zelenskyy Davos agenda turns to dealmaking as Trump takes office Trump and the contest between two visions of democracySubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Lulu Smyth, Manuela Saragosa and Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen TurnerRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Michael Ignatieff, the former leader of Canada's Liberal party, about how the country will deal with its newly-hostile southern neighbour when it is undergoing a change of leadership at home. They discuss Donald Trump's threat to raise punitive tariffs on Canadian imports and how to respond to his suggestion that Canada should become the US's 51st state. Clip: Global NewsFollow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanFree links to read more on this topic:Canada warns of ‘tit-for-tat' tariffs on US if Trump imposes leviesPierre Poilievre moves closer to realising his populist vision for CanadaPraised abroad, troubled at home: Canada's political ‘prince' bows outMark Carney considers run to replace Canada's PM Justin TrudeauSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to the FT's Christian Davies about President Yoon's thwarted attempt to impose martial law in South Korea. What lies behind the shock move, and what does it tell us about the underlying problems of a country better known for the global success of its entertainment industries? Clip: Washington PostFollow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanFree links to read more on this topic:South Korea crisis mounts as clock ticks on arrest warrant for presidentThe resilience of South Korea's democracy remains in doubtSouth Korea's tumult is a symptom of China-US strifeA hostage situation': South Korea paralysed in fight against Trump tariffsSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Simon Panayi.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon hosts an end-of-year discussion with Alexander Gabuev of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, Jeremy Shapiro of the European Council on Foreign Relations, and Karin von Hippel of the Royal United Services Institute. They discuss what we can expect from the incoming Trump presidency, the prospects for peace in the Middle East and Ukraine, and China's strengthening ties with Russia. Clip: Fox 13 NewsFree links to read more on this topic:FT Person of the Year: Donald TrumpPutin says Trump's Ukraine proposals merit attentionXi Jinping prioritises consumers over chips as concerns over growth mountAI admin tools pose a threat to national securitySubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to FT Middle East correspondent Raya Jalabi about what she found when she drove from Beirut into Damascus shortly after the toppling of President Assad. What signs are there that the rebel group HTS will be able to manage a peaceful transition of power and end the country's civil war? Clip: AFPFree links to read more on this topic:Netanyahu and Erdoğan compete to be the Middle East's strongmanAssad dispatched $250mn of Syria's cash to MoscowNow Syria can dream of a future againJustice for the victims of Assad's atrocities in SyriaHow the Assad family built an empire of fear in SyriaSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the most important groups of advisers around Donald Trump are the 'restrainers'. They want to radically reduce America's commitments to global security alliances. Gideon talks to Dan Caldwell, a leading restrainer and military veteran who believes the Iraq war was a 'monstrous crime'. Clip: Face the NationFree links to read more on this topic:Foreign Affairs article: Trump Must Not Betray “America First”The tragedy of Iraq, 20 years onNato chief warns Donald Trump of ‘dire threat' to US if Ukraine pushed into bad peace dealThe west should not succumb to cynical regret over SyriaTrump swoops into Paris as Europe prepares for a more transactional relationshipSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to FT contributing editor Kim Ghattas about the rebel advances in Syria that have taken place in the wake of Israel's bombardment of President Bashar al-Assad's Hizbollah allies in Lebanon. Will Assad's backers in Iran and Russia hold firm and can the ceasefire agreement in neighbouring Lebanon hold? Clip: Channel 4 NewsFree links to read more on this topic:Rebel advances in Syria spell danger for Russia's Middle Eastern ambitionsInside Aleppo: the Syrian city captured by rebelsRebel offensive boosts Turkey's influence in SyriaAssad is sitting tight as Syria burnsSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Sir Alex Younger, former head of Britain's secret intelligence service MI6, about the "special relationship" between the US and the UK. They discuss Donald Trump's choice of Tulsi Gabbard for the role of US director of national intelligence and they also consider what Britain needs to do to secure a role for itself in the world order. Free links to read more on this topic:Keir Starmer to urge G20 leaders to ‘double down' on Ukraine supportBill Burns and Richard Moore: Intelligence partnership helps the US and UK stay ahead in an uncertain worldWhere Trump could surprise on the upsideAsk Shrimsley: how do I keep a relationship special?Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Sebastian Mallaby, author of a best-selling book on Silicon Valley called The Power Law. They discuss the reason why Elon Musk decided to back Donald Trump for president, what the entrepreneur will bring to the Trump administration, and what Musk's businesses stand to gain. Clip: WFAA TVFree links to read more on this topic: Who's who in the Musk ‘A-team' vying to shape Trump 2.0Elon Musk is an unguided geopolitical missileValuations at Elon Musk's SpaceX and xAI set to soar in new dealsElon Musk's gamble on Donald Trump pays offSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevin Rudd, the former Australian prime minister, has made a life-long study of China's leadership. He tells Gideon how an understanding of Communist ideology helps explain Xi Jinping's decision to roll back on the market reforms of his predecessor Deng Xiaoping. They are also a crucial guide to what could happen next. Clip: Sky News AustraliaFollow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanFree links to read more on this topic:US-China relations will depend on which Trump shows upUS Space Force warns of ‘mind-boggling' build-up of Chinese capabilitiesWhy Xi Jinping changed his mind on China's fiscal stimulusSinologist Li Cheng: ‘America is not in the mood to study China'‘Too boring': Chinese students are sleeping through propagandaSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to his colleague Ed Luce and to Susan Glasser of the New Yorker about what to expect from a second Trump presidency. Clip: Fox NewsFree links to read more on this topic:How Trump won in maps and chartsTrump's new world orderElon Musk's gamble on Donald Trump pays offSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Samantha Giovinco.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Ivo Daalder, a former American ambassador to Nato and chief executive of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, about the potential threat to US democracy if Donald Trump wins next week's presidential election. Clip: PoliticoFollow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanFree links to read more on this topic:How Trump learnt to love big businessTrump is the man who would be kingAmerica isn't too worried about fascismKamala Harris warns of ‘more chaos' under Donald Trump and vows ‘different path'Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Sigrid Kaag, the UN's Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, about her efforts to keep hope alive during a humanitarian catastrophe. Clip: United NationsFollow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanFree links to read more on this topic:Israel ‘starting to implement' north Gaza starvation plan, say rights groups Hamas chief's death opens up choice for Benjamin Netanyahu over Gaza warUS warns Israel humanitarian crisis in Gaza could threaten military aidIsrael, Lebanon and the mirage of a new Middle EastSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After three years of sanctions, women's lives in Afghanistan are highly restricted and hunger is widespread. So if sanctions have failed, is it time for the outside world to change its approach and re-engage with the country's Taliban rulers? Gideon discusses this question with Saad Mohseni, chair of Afghanistan's largest television station and co-author of a new book Radio Free Afghanistan, and Afghan women's rights activist Fatima Gailani. Clip: CBS NewsFollow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanFree links to read more on this topic:Leaving Kabul: what happened when the Taliban returnedTaliban's closer ties with UAE signal global divide over Afghan regimeHow the Taliban's return made Afghanistan a hub for global jihadisSinger Elaha Soroor on her anthem for Afghan womenSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Norbert Röttgen, a CDU member of the foreign affairs committee of the German parliament and author of a new book called Democracy and War. Röttgen criticises Chancellor Olaf Scholz for failing to live up to his early pledges of support for Ukraine. He laments the country's 'deplorable' divide on the Ukraine war, but says he is convinced that most Germans recognise that a victory for Russia would be disastrous for Europe. Clips: SPD; Info fur die WeltFollow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanFree links to read more on this topic:Germany, political extremism and the risks to UkraineVictory for the AfD raises difficult questions about east GermanyGermany to launch limited military service in push to be ‘war ready'Ukraine's shifting war aimsSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East programme at Chatham House in London, about what Israel and Iran may be planning for their next move as the region slides towards all-out war. Clips: The Telegraph; BBCFollow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanFree links to read more on this topic:Middle East at war: 12 key moments Oil prices climb as Iran missile attack prompts supply fearsIsrael steps up offensive against Hizbollah as region braces for retaliationHow Israeli spies penetrated HizbollahSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Kim Ghattas, an FT contributing editor based in Beirut, about Israel's decision to step up its war against Lebanon's Hizbollah. How will the militant group and its allies respond, and can the war be contained? Clips: Sky News; The GuardianFollow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanFree links to read more on this topic:Israel tells troops to prepare for possible ground offensive in LebanonMilitary briefing: Israeli intelligence and air force use ‘victory doctrine' against Hizbollah ‘Leave your homes now': Lebanon endures bloodiest day in decadesIts strategy may lie in ruins, but Hizbollah will not admit defeatSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As world leaders gather in New York for the UN General Assembly, Gideon Rachman speaks to António Guterres, secretary-general of the UN. Guterres explains why he thinks the organisation remains indispensable - as the world struggles to get to grips with an array of daunting global challenges - including war and climate change.Clip: The GuardianFree links:World must exit ‘highway to climate hell', UN boss warns, as records are again brokenChina and US push each other on priorities for UN COP29 climate talks‘Enfeebled' UN fights for relevance in divided worldAlarm raised on sea level rise and ocean warming as Pacific Islands leaders meetNobel winners hit out at removal of fossil fuels from draft UN pactChina and US push each other on priorities for UN COP29 climate talksFollow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner and Simon Panayi.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ukraine's incursion into the Kursk region of Russia represented another sign that Vladimir Putin's invasion is not going to plan. But numerous setbacks, and the sanctions regime imposed by the west, have so far failed to loosen the Russian leader's grip on power. Gideon discusses why Russians are still backing Putin with Alexander Gabuev of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. Clip: Deutsche WelleFollow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanFree links to read more on this topic:Vladimir Putin visits Mongolia despite international arrest warrantUS accuses China of directly supporting Russia's ‘war machine'The Kremlin princelings cementing Putin's ruleUkraine's battle against Russia in maps: latest updatesSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Gabriel Gatehouse about his new book, The Coming Storm: A Journey into the Heart of the Conspiracy Machine. They discuss the US Republican party's embrace of far-fetched conspiracy theories, and how these are being deployed in the upcoming presidential election. Clip: CNNFollow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanFree links to read more on this topic:Conspiracy theories are being baked into American politicsA mind-infecting virus: the dark dreams of QAnonMisinformed about misinformationAmerica's election year battle over who polices online disinformationSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Takako Hikotani of the Asia Society Policy Institute about how Japanese attitudes towards security have changed in light of the war in Ukraine and China's more aggressive stance in the South China Sea. Clips: CNAFollow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanFree links to read more on this topic: Japan says China's airspace incursion ‘totally unacceptable'Never a zealot, Fumio Kishida showed a surprising fearlessnessChina rejects Nato accusations of supporting Russia's war in UkraineUS and Japan announce ‘most significant' upgrade to military allianceSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Simon Panayi.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Hall, the FT's Europe editor, discusses Ukraine's Kursk incursion with Andriy Zagorodnyuk, former defence minister and chair of the Centre for Defence Strategies in Kyiv. What is the strategy behind the move? How could it affect the fighting elsewhere on the frontline and could it prove to be a turning point in the war? Clips: Global News; France 24To take part in the audience survey mentioned by Benn, and to be in with the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, click here. Click here to find T&Cs for the prize draw.Free links to read more on this topic: Ukraine wants to create ‘buffer zone' with Kursk incursion, says Zelenskyy‘People are horrified': Moscow turns to reluctant conscripts to defend KurskHow Ukraine pulled off its biggest gamble: invading RussiaUkraine's battle against Russia in maps: latest updatesSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Benn Hall. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Simon Panayi.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Stott, the FT's Latin America editor, talks to Phil Gunson, a Caracas-based senior analyst for the International Crisis Group and Michael Shifter, former president of the Inter-American Dialogue think-tank in Washington, about the crisis in Venezuela. How long can Maduro cling to power, having so obviously lost the July election. Clips: Channel 4 News, The Economic TimesTo take part in the audience survey mentioned by Michael, and to be in with the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, click here. Click here to find T&Cs for the prize draw.Free links to read more on this topic:How Venezuela's Maduro is clinging on to powerVenezuela ramps up fear campaign after disputed presidential voteNicolás Maduro, Venezuela's contested presidentNicolás Maduro blocks access to X amid feud with Elon MuskSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Michael Stott. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Simon Panayi.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two assassinations carried out by Israel, one in Beirut and one in Tehran, have brought threats of retaliation from Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hizbollah. Andrew England, the FT's Middle East editor, discusses whether the latest escalation can be contained with Emile Hokayem, a Middle East expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Clips: AP; CBSTo take part in the audience survey mentioned by Andrew, and to be in with the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, click here. Click here to find T&Cs for the prize draw.Free links to read more on this topic:Netanyahu is prepared to escalate in the Middle East How all-out war between Israel and its adversaries might play outHamas picks Yahya Sinwar as new political leaderIran will ‘definitely' retaliate against Israel for killing of Haniyeh, says new presidentSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Andrew England. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Sean McGarrity.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite some early setbacks the Paris Olympics is proving a big success. The French have set aside their initial doubts and are enjoying a breather from the disagreements that have torn apart the political classes. Gideon asks Sylvie Kauffmann, editorial director of Le Monde, how long the truce can last. Clips: BBCTo take part in the audience survey mentioned by Gideon, and to be in with the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, click here. Click here to find T&Cs for the prize draw.Follow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanFree links to read more on this topic:Olympics organisers apologise as risqué ceremony sparks backlashInside France's Olympic medals factoryA bold leap towards a leaner and greener OlympicsFake Games, cyber threats and disinformation: Russia reacts to sporting isolationSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon Rachman hosts the show from Washington, DC, with his guest Jacob Heilbrunn, the editor of the National Interest magazine. They discuss the state of the US presidential election after Joe Biden's decision to stand down and endorse his vice-president, Kamala Harris. Heilbrunn makes an unusual prediction: he thinks Harris could win big.Clip: MSNBCFree links:Read Gideon's latest column, Trump, Harris and a fear-filled campaignRead the latest FT report, What are Kamala Harris's chances against Donald Trump?To take part in the audience survey mentioned by Gideon, and to be in with the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, click here. Click here to find T&Cs for the prize draw.Follow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Tamara Kormornick. Sound design is by Breen Turner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon discusses the latest drama in the US presidential race with his friend and colleague Ed Luce at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. After his narrow escape from an assassination attempt, Donald Trump is looking like a winner. How would he change the US political landscape during a second term and can the Democrats find a strategy that will get them back in the race? Clip: CNNTo take part in the audience survey mentioned by Gideon and to be in with the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, click here. Click here to find T&Cs for the prize draw.Follow Gideon on X @gideonrachmanFree links to read more on this topic:Republicans are delighted with BidenJoe Biden looks for early Democratic nomination to silence criticsThe US itself could be the biggest loser in this electionSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How easy will it be for Keir Starmer, Britain's new prime minister, to reset relations with the EU, and what impact will political disarray in France have on leadership within the bloc? Gideon discusses these questions with Charles Grant, director of the London-based Centre for European Reform think-tank. Clip: BBCFree links to read more on this topic:France and Britain are changing placesThe French left needs to urgently learn the art of compromiseKeir Starmer plans ‘road map' for UK to hit higher defence spending goalSurvey linkPrize draw terms and conditionsSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.