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After the toe-curling revelations about Lord Peter Mandelson's connections with the convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, the ambassador's departure seemed inevitable to all - with the exception of some in Downing Street. Questions about the speed of his sacking, what Sir Keir Starmer knew and why the New Labour grandee was hired in the first place will plague the prime minister as he prepares for US President Donald Trump's upcoming visit. Host George Parker is joined by FT columnist Stephen Bush, deputy opinion editor Miranda Green, and deputy political editor Jim Pickard to discuss the political fallout for the PM and look ahead at the two-horse race to replace deputy Labour party leader Angela Rayner.Want more?:Labour MPs are increasingly doubting Keir Starmer's leadershipWhy the Mandelson affair raises questions about Starmer's judgmentExit Mandelson — but not Number 10's problemsPeter Mandelson's back: the Prince of Darkness returnsBridget Phillipson faces Lucy Powell in final stage of Labour deputy leader raceFollow George on Bluesky @georgewparker.bsky.social and on X at @GeorgeWParker; Jim @PickardJE, Stephen @stephenkb and Miranda on @greenmirandaSign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free at https://www.ft.com/InsidePoliticsOfferPolitical Fix is presented by George Parker and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT's acting head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. CLIPS: Parliament TVRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
China has become a superpower because of its ability to build bridges, cars and electronics at an astonishing pace. But breakneck growth comes with problems. The country is grappling with overproduction and deflation, and policymakers in Beijing are attempting to jumpstart consumer demand. How can China keep building without jeopardising its economic future? Dan Wang, research fellow at Stanford University's Hoover History Lab and author of 'Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future' speaks to the FT's financial reporter Aiden Reiter.Aiden Reiter co-writes the Unhedged newsletter. You can read his articles here.Subscribe to The Economics Show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen.Presented by Aiden Reiter. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound design by Samantha Giovinco and Breen Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gideon talks to journalist Anshel Pfeffer about Israel's ‘strongman' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They discuss how his ‘brazen disregard' for international norms has helped him to cling to power, but also left him at the mercy of more and more extreme forces in Israel. This episode is an edited recording of an event organised by Intelligence Squared that took place in central London earlier this month. Clips: LBC; CNN; BBCFree links to read more on this topic:Israel unbound: was Qatar a strike too far?EU moves to freeze some funding to Israel over war in GazaIsraeli annexation of the West Bank would be ‘red line' for UAENetanyahu's disastrous plan to take control of GazaSubscribe 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 the executive producer is Flo Phillips.Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
US President Donald Trump is coming to the UK next week. What can we expect from his visit? And where do things stand between the US and the UK? In this special bonus episode, our two FT political chat shows, Political Fix and Swamp Notes, team up to unpack relations between the two longtime allies. Marc Filippino, host of the Swamp Notes podcast, and US managing editor Brooke Masters are joined by Political Fix's George Parker and Lucy Fisher to discuss. This episode was recorded on September 6 in front of a live audience at the FT Weekend Festival in London. Listen to the Swamp Notes podcast on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your podcasts.Listen to the Political Fix podcast on Acast, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts or Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.Swamp Notes is produced by Henry Larson. The executive producer for Political Fix is Flo Phillips. This episode was mixed by Breen Turner. The FT's acting co-heads of audio are Topher Forhecz and Manuela Saragosa. Special thanks to Pierre Nicholson. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It wasn't the start to the new parliamentary term that Prime Minister Keir Starmer hoped for. His insistence that his focus is now on “delivery, delivery, delivery” was eclipsed by the furore surrounding the deputy prime minister, Angela Rayner, over her tax affairs. To discuss where her precarious position leaves Starmer, plus his attempts to get the economic agenda back on track, host George Parker is joined by political correspondent Anna Gross, FT columnist and author of the daily Inside Politics newsletter Stephen Bush, and FT economics commentator Chris Giles. Plus, as the party conference season kicks off, the team looks at what's on the menu for Reform UK supporters at their first ever conference.Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Stephen @stephenkb; Anna @AnnaSophieGross and Chris @chrisgiles_Going to the FT Weekend Festival at Kenwood House Gardens in London on Saturday September 6? George and Lucy Fisher will be hosting a breakfast event, talking politics and podcasts, in the Experience Tent from 9.45am. FT Live has a 10% discount for all FT podcast listeners with the promo code FTPodcasts. Find a registration link to use with the discount hereSend a question, ideally as a voicenote, to our email address: politicalfix@ft.comSign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free here Want more?The UK is a Fiscal Saint not a SinnerReform UK ‘going to the next stage', says deputy leaderKeir Starmer seeks to get a grip on UK economy with new hiresThis episode of Political Fix was presented by George Parker, and produced by Philippa Goodrich. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Manuela SaragosaRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
President Donald Trump's attempt to fire Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve's interest rate-setting board, is not the first time in the Fed's history that there has been an attempt to politicise central banking. But Peter Conti-Brown, associate professor of financial regulation at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, tells the FT's Chris Giles why Trump's intervention is different and why there are now reasons to fear for the survival of a key pillar of US and global economic stability. Going to the FT Weekend festival at Kenwood House Gardens in London on Saturday September 6? FT Live has a 10% discount for all FT podcast listeners with promo code FTPodcasts. Find a registration link with discount hereSubscribe to The Economics Show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen.Presented by Chris Giles. Produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon and Mischa Frankl-Duval. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound design by Breen Turner and Samantha Giovinco.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gideon talks to Albanian academic Lea Ypi about her book Indignity. In the book, she describes how living first under the Ottoman empire, then as part of fascist Italy and later in a post-war communist state affected the lives of her grandparents. They discuss possible parallels between the first half of the 20th century and the times we are living in today and ask what lessons can be drawn from this history to avoid making the same mistakes. Clip: AQSHFFree links to read more on this topic:Kant and the case for peaceAlbania's ‘old sheriff' on course to win fourth term as prime ministerWhy the EU's migration dilemma is pushing the bloc further rightSubscribe 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 the executive producer is Flo Phillips.Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Generative AI models trained on vast swaths of popular music can create songs almost indistinguishable from human-made work. For some, they represent the future of pop music. For others, they threaten to flood the world with ‘AI slop', drowning out the work of human artists, stealing musicians' jobs, and ending the process of music-making as we know it. Is this just a case of technophobia? Or could AI music generators replace human musicians altogether?In the first in a two-part series, the FT's pop critic Ludovic Hunter-Tilney speaks to musicians and artists about the inventive power of generative AI in music, as well as the potential threat it might pose to musicians' livelihoods and the music industry as a whole. This series of Tech Tonic is presented by Ludovic Hunter-Tilney. The producers are Lulu Smyth and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Edwin Lane is the senior producer, Flo Phillips is the executive producer. Sound design by Breen Turner and Samantha Giovinco. Original Music by Metaphor Music. Manuela Saragosa is the FT's acting co-head of audio. Music used in this episode: ‘Chasing Horizons' - generated by Udio ‘Own the Night” - generated by Udio ‘From Ashes to Madness' - generated by Udio‘Workplace Vibes' - generated by Udio‘Canaan (Live Training)' - Holly Herndon. Copyright Herndon Dryhurst Studio‘Evening Shades (Live Training)' - Holly Herndon. Copyright Herndon Dryhurst Studio‘Godmother' - Holly Herndon. Copyright Herndon Dryhurst StudioMusic from Holly Herndon & Matt Dryhurst: The Call - Copyright Herndon Dryhurst Studio‘Heart on My Sleeve' - Ghostwriter977‘Verknallt in einen Talahon' - Butterbro / generated by Udio‘Let it Burn' - The Velvet Sundown‘Sexual Healing' - Written by Marvin Gaye, Odell Brown, and David Ritz. Copyright EMI Blackwood Music Inc. and EMI April Music Inc.‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody' - Written by George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam, Copyright Sony Music EntertainmentRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It's a widely held assumption that US President Donald Trump has put globalisation into reverse. But Neil Shearing, group chief economist at Capital Economics and author of The Fractured Age: How the Return of Geopolitics Will Splinter the Global Economy, tells the FT's world trade editor Peter Foster that Trump's policies are a symptom and not the cause of the global trading system unravelling. They discuss how economic rivalry between the US and China is reshaping world trade – and where it might lead.Peter Foster is the FT's world trade editor. You can read his articles hereBook your FT Weekend Festival tickets hereSubscribe to The Economics Show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen.Presented by Peter Foster. Produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound design by Samantha Giovinco and Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
AI music generators - platforms that use artificial intelligence to create new, original music from scratch - can make songs that are almost indistinguishable from human creations. For some musicians, they're the next frontier in music-making technology. But for others, they represent a grave threat, flooding the world with low-grade AI music, stealing the jobs of working musicians, and even spelling the end of the creative process as we know it. Is this just technophobia, or is music facing AI annihilation?In a new two-part series of Tech Tonic, the FT's pop critic Ludovic Hunter-Tilney explores the emerging world of AI music, and the impact it could have on the industry.Tech Tonic is presented by Ludovic Hunter-Tilney. The producers are Lulu Smyth and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Edwin Lane is the senior producer, Flo Phillips is the executive producer. Sound design by Breen Turner and Samantha Giovinco. Original Music by Metaphor Music. Manuela Saragosa and Topher Forhecz are the FT's acting co-heads of audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The longheld US position to defend Taiwan's independent status in the face of Chinese aggression is looking shaky under the Trump administration, in spite of Taiwanese efforts to court the American president. This week, Gideon talks to analyst and author James Crabtree - former director of the Asia office of the International Institute for Strategic Studies - about why the US now seems more interested in doing a deal with China than showing support for Taiwan. They also discuss the broader implications that this, and other issues, might have for US alliances across the Indo-Pacific region, including relations with South Korea, Japan, Australia and India.Clips: Amazon PrimeFollow Gideon on Bluesky @gideonrachman.bsky.social or X @gideonrachmanMore on this topic:Taiwan raises defence spending by 23% under US pressure to counter China threatDonald Trump blocks Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te from New York stopoverUS cancelled military talks with TaiwanTrump is the gift that keeps giving to ChinaThe geopolitics of chips: Taiwan's ‘Silicon Shield'Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Clare Williamson. Sound design is by Breen Turner. The executive producer is Flo Phillips.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
AI music generators - platforms that use artificial intelligence to create new, original music from scratch - can make songs that are almost indistinguishable from human creations. For some musicians, they're the next frontier in music-making technology. But for others, they represent a grave threat, flooding the world with low-grade AI music, stealing the jobs of working musicians, and even spelling the end of the creative process as we know it. Is this just technophobia, or is music facing AI annihilation?In a new two-part series, the FT's pop critic Ludovic Hunter-Tilney explores the emerging world of AI music, and the impact it could have on the industry.Tech Tonic is presented by Ludovic Hunter-Tilney. The producers are Lulu Smyth and Josh Gabert-Doyon. Edwin Lane is the senior producer, Flo Phillips is the executive producer. Sound design by Breen Turner and Samantha Giovinco. Original music by Metaphor Music. Manuela Saragosa and Topher Forhecz are the FT's acting co-heads of audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
President Donald Trump thinks that Asia's goods exports are automatically America's loss and as part of his ‘reciprocal' tariff policy, he has imposed some of the highest import taxes on goods from south-east Asia. So what does this mean for the region? And are Trump's policies pushing those countries further into China's orbit? Alan Beattie, the FT's senior trade writer, discusses these questions and more with Mari Pangestu, Indonesia's former trade minister and a former managing director at the World Bank.Alan Beattie is the FT's senior trade writer. He writes the Trade Secrets newsletter every Monday. Read Alan's columns hereSign up to the Trade Secrets newsletter hereBook your FT Weekend Festival tickets hereSubscribe to The Economics Show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen. Presented by Alan Beattie. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval and Persis Love. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound design by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
England's NHS is in a ‘critical and deteriorating condition' - those are the words of Lord Darzi who investigated the state of the NHS for the new Labour government last year. In response, Starmer unveiled a ten year plan to fix it focusing on delivering three big shifts in healthcare: hospital to community; analogue to digital; sickness to prevention but is it too little, too late, or is the problem just too big to fix?In this week's special episode, host George Parker is joined by our global health editor, Sarah Neville, deputy comment editor Miranda Green and FT economics commentator, Chris Giles, author of the weekly newsletter on Central Banks. Together they discuss some of the key problems facing the UK's healthcare system, its financial situation and why it matters so much to both the public and politicians.Follow: George on Bluesky @georgewparker.bsky.social or X @GeorgeWParker; Sarah Neville @SarahNev; Chris Giles @ChrisGiles; and Miranda Green @greenmirandaSign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free at https://www.ft.com/InsidePoliticsOffer What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: Will the NHS 10-year plan fix England's crumbling health service?The future of the NHSWes Streeting says ‘jury is out' over pay deal for doctors as talks continueOne in five UK doctors are considering quitting, regulator warnsMiranda's column - Ask Green: Is laughter the best medicine?CLIPS: BFIBBCSky NewsPresented by George Parker, and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. Manuela Saragosa is the acting co-head of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gideon discusses the outcome of the recent Alaska and Washington summits with Alexander Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. Has Russia emerged as a clear winner? What can be achieved without more pressure on Vladimir Putin? How effective would western security guarantees be to prevent future Russian aggression?Clip: Sky NewsFree links to read more on this topic:Ukraine talks expose Trump's dreadful attention to detailDonald Trump says US could play role ‘by air' in Ukraine security guaranteeDonald Trump says US to ‘co-ordinate' Ukraine's security with Europe‘Stab in the back': Kyiv reels as Trump embraces Putin's termsSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design by Breen Turner. The executive producer is Flo Phillips.Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When the EU and US hit Russia with fresh sanctions in 2022, many analysts expected the country's economy to crack. Instead, Russia has shown strong GDP growth, powered in large part by a massive boost to war-related industries. Now, the effects of that boost appear to be fading. Have western sanctions finally started to bite? What would happen to Russia's economy if the Ukraine war were to end? And how difficult might it be for the country's economy to return to normal? To find out, the FT's economics editor Sam Fleming speaks to Elina Ribakova. Elina is a non-resident senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, a non-resident fellow at Brussels think-tank Bruegel and vice-president for foreign policy at the Kyiv School of Economics.Sam Fleming is the FT's economics editor. You can find his articles here: https://www.ft.com/sam-flemingWant more? Free links:Russia moves to contain concern over banks' bad loan exposureVladimir Putin's war economy is cooling, but Russians still feel richerRussia's central bank speeds up rate cuts as war economy coolsThere's no money to be made in RussiaThe FT Weekend Festival returns for its 10th edition on Saturday, September 6 at Kenwood House Gardens in London. Get details and tickets hereSubscribe to The Economics Show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen. Presented by Sam Fleming. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. Flo Phillips is the executive producer. Manuela Saragosa is the FT's acting co-head of audio. Original music from Breen Turner, and sound design by Breen Turner & Sam Giovinco.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Maga arrived in Chipping Norton this week, heralding an intense round of British diplomacy ahead of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska on Friday. Ukraine is top of the agenda and both Prime Minister Keir Starmer and foreign secretary David Lammy have been doing their bit liaising between US vice-president JD Vance and President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders. In this week's episode, host George Parker is joined by Europe editor Ben Hall and Whitehall editor David Sheppard to discuss how the UK is playing its hand on the global stage and the role of soft power in its negotiations. The FT Weekend Festival returns for our 10th edition on Saturday September 6 at Kenwood House Gardens in London. Get details and tickets hereFollow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Ben Hall @hallbenjamin and David Sheppard @OilSheppardWant to get in touch? Email politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: Putin hails Trump's ‘energetic and sincere' efforts to end Ukraine warZelenskyy faces his ‘moment of maximum pressure'JD Vance to meet Reform's Nigel Farage after talks with Tory MP Robert JenrickGeorge Osborne arranged Cotswolds holiday for JD VanceHow the Bayeux Tapestry became a tool of soft powerSign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. CLIPS: Manchester Evening NewsPresented by George Parker, and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Trump administration has hit India with 50% tariffs. And just after a short military conflict between India and Pakistan, President Trump played host to Pakistan's army chief of staff at the White House. Gideon discusses what this means for India and for the region with Tanvi Madan, author of a noted history of the US-India relationship. Clip: WION. Weekend Festival linkFree links to read more on this topic:Donald Trump tariffs threaten Narendra Modi's ‘Make in India' driveHow Pakistan wooed Trump — and rattled IndiaNarendra Modi tells Indian farmers he will ‘never compromise' in face of 50% US tariffsIndia's Russian oil conundrum: yield to Donald Trump or face tariff backlashPresented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner and the executive producer is Manuela Saragosa.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on the Economics Show, we're bringing you an interview with Ray Dalio, from our foreign affairs podcast, the Rachman Review. It originally broadcast on July 3.Gideon talks to Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, the world's largest hedge fund and author of a new book: How Countries Go Broke. They discuss the size of the US debt and what history tells us about identifying warning signs. Clip: CBS Read more:Is Donald Trump's ‘big, beautiful bill' a political curse for Republicans?Fears over US debt load and inflation ignite exodus from long-term bonds Donald Trump's big, beautiful act of self-harmThe fall in the dollar is not scary Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner and the executive producer is Flo Phillips. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After the Bureau of Labor Statistics released a worse-than-expected US jobs report, President Trump fired the agency's head, Erika McEntarfer, claiming her numbers were ‘wrong' and manipulated. There's no evidence this was the case but many agree gathering reliable data on the health of the economy is getting harder. The FT's chief data reporter, John Burn-Murdoch, discusses why that's happening and what to do about it with Erica Groshen, the former BLS commissioner.Clip: NBCFurther Reading:US labour data agency was teetering even before Donald Trump fired its chiefTrump's war on data will do lasting harmDonald Trump's attack on US labour statistics agency spooks investorsJohn Burn-Murdoch is the FT's chief data reporter. You can find his articles hereSubscribe to The Economics Show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen.Presented by John Burn-Murdoch. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music from Breen Turner, and sound design by Jean-Marc Eck. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Today, we're bringing you an episode from our fellow FT podcast, The Economics Show. The US dollar has been in slow decline for around a decade – so says Kenneth Rogoff, Harvard professor, and former chief economist of the IMF. Donald Trump's trade policies have raised a lot of questions about the future of the dollar – and how its decline could affect the rest of the world's currencies. Rogoff joins Martin Wolf to discuss how the decline of the dollar could empower China, capital flight from the US, and why cryptocurrency is a bigger threat to dollar hegemony than most people realise.Martin Wolf is chief economics commentator at the Financial Times. You can find his column here: https://www.ft.com/martin-wolf Subscribe to The Economics Show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen.Presented by Martin Wolf. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Original music and sound design by Breen Turner. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The first two decades of the 21st century were a golden age for global development. International co-operation and funding drove remarkable progress in the developing world. Now, that progress threatens to stall as wealthy nations, including the US and UK, withdraw their support. A global meeting held in Spain last month ended with a new international agreement, the Seville Commitment, on funding development – but will it succeed where others have failed? What role do rich countries, and organisations such as the World Bank, have to play? And will anyone be willing to relieve developing nations of their onerous debt obligations? Financial Times associate editor Pilita Clark speaks to Gates Foundation chief executive Mark Suzman.Want more? Free links:Trump shadow hangs over global development talksDevelopment funds dash for donor cash at World Bank and IMF meetingsPilita Clark is an associate editor and business columnist at the FT. You can read her columns here: https://www.ft.com/pilita-clark Follow Pilita on Bluesky or X: @pilitaclark.bsky.social or @pilitaclarkSubscribe to The Economics Show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen.Presented by Pilita Clark. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. Flo Phillips is the executive producer. Manuela Saragosa is the FT's acting co-head of audio. Original music and sound design by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to recognise a Palestinian state in September at the UN General Assembly. The decision comes after some Labour MPs and cabinet ministers accused him of being too slow to respond to the Gaza crisis. Host George Parker is joined by FT columnists Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley and deputy opinion editor Miranda Green to discuss how the prime minister arrived at this decision, and whether UK recognition of a Palestinian state will change the state of play in the region. Sign up to Stephen Bush's morning newsletter Inside Politics for straight-talking insight into the stories that matter, plus puns and tongue (mostly) in cheek. Get 30 days free at https://www.ft.com/InsidePoliticsOfferFollow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social, @stephenkb; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: The best case for Starmer's ill-starred Palestine gambitStarmer finally sets out his stance on Palestinian statehoodKeir Starmer threads the needle on Palestinian recognitionEmmanuel Macron says France will recognise Palestinian state in SeptemberPresented by George Parker and produced by Ethan Plotkin. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music by Breen Turner and mix by Simon Panayi. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Israel has demonstrated its capacity to strike at its enemies far and wide since the Hamas attacks of October 7 2023. But what will it do with this military dominance? The FT's Charles Clover puts this question to Palestinian historian Yezid Sayigh. They discuss the weakness and instability of neighbouring Arab states and how the Netanyahu government's moves to prevent Palestinian statehood represent the biggest threat to peaceful coexistence in the region. Clips: France 24; Channel 4 NewsFree links to read more on this topic:Has Gaza tested the limits of Donald Trump's support for Benjamin Netanyahu?UK to recognise Palestinian state unless Israel ends Gaza crisisIsrael's quiet war in the West BankThe world is failing the Palestinian peopleGaza: a war without end?Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Charles Clover. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner and the executive producer is Flo Phillips.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the early 20th century Argentina was one of the world's richest countries. For most of the past 50 years, it has been an economic disaster. But after nine debt defaults, 23 IMF programmes and two years of triple-digit annual inflation, the country's radical libertarian president, Javier Milei, has steadied the ship. How has Milei revitalised the economy? Can he persuade investors to trust Argentina again? And, most crucially, can his transformation last? The FT's Latin America editor, Michael Stott, discusses with Alejandro Werner, former head of the IMF's western hemisphere department, founding director of the Georgetown Americas Institute, and fellow of the Peterson Institute for International EconomicsClips: Sky Australia, Javier Milei via Storyful/ELPELUCAMILEI, Global News, Poder360Want more? Free links:Javier Milei's risky bet on a potent pesoTory leader Kemi Badenoch says she is Britain's Javier MileiJavier Milei lowers Argentina's monthly inflation below 2% for first time since 2020Michael Stott is the FT's Latin America editor. You can find his articles here: https://www.ft.com/michael-stott Subscribe to The Economics Show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen. Presented by Michael Stott. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. Flo Phillips is the executive producer. Manuela Saragosa is the FT's acting co-head of audio. Original music and sound design by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As MPs head back to their constituencies for the summer, the Political Fix panel reflects on the year in opposition for Kemi Badenoch and her Conservative party. Host George Parker is joined by Robert Shrimsley to discuss their exclusive interview with the party leader, along with Anna Gross and Jim Pickard to talk Reform, the right-wing agenda, and the rhetoric that some fear could stoke a repeat of last summer's riots.* The figure referenced regarding £45bn cost of net zero comes from the IFG (Institute for Government) not the IFS (Institute for Fiscal Studies), and the website for the new party founded by Jeremy Corbyn is yourparty.uk.Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Jim @pickardje.bsky.social; Anna @AnnaSophieGrossWhat did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: Tory leader Kemi Badenoch says she is Britain's Javier Milei Jeremy Corbyn sets up ‘Your Party' to attract leftwing voters from Labour Starmer, Farage and the fight to own fairnessNigel Farage pledges to deport serious offendersPressure grows to shut Blackpool asylum hotel over safety concernsSign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by George Parker, and produced by Clare Williamson. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Humans have never been healthier or better fed. We're living longer, but having fewer children - and many countries' populations are now shrinking. Gideon discusses these trends with demographer Nicholas Eberstadt. Have smartphones played a role in our declining fertility? How will we look after our elderly people? Is migration the answer? Clip: CBCFree links to read more on this topic:The fight to revive Europe's shrinking rural areasPopulation undercounting threatens public policy, scientists warnJapan urged to use gloomier population forecasts after plunge in birthsThe unspoken truth about the baby bustBrain ageing is the best predictor of longevity, scientists findSubscribe 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 the executive producer is Flo Phillips.Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can Tim Cook save Apple from the trade war? Has Mark Zuckerberg really been a fan of Donald Trump all along? And is the bromance between Elon Musk and the president really over? In a new season of Tech Tonic, Murad Ahmed explores the relationships between Trump and some of the titans of the tech world. What is really driving those relationships, and what might they mean for the future of technology in the US and beyond?Free to read:‘He is power': billionaires line up for Donald Trump's inaugurationDonald Trump lashes out at Apple over plan to ship US iPhones from IndiaHow Jeff Bezos made peace with Donald TrumpWhat has Elon Musk's Doge actually achieved?How Joel Kaplan became Mark Zuckerberg's most trusted political fixerHow Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley funded the sudden rise of JD VanceThis season of Tech Tonic is presented by Murad Ahmed and produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon. The senior producer is Edwin Lane and the executive producer is Flo Phillips. Sound design by Breen Turner and Samantha Giovinco. Original music by Metaphor Music, Manuela Saragosa and Topher Forhecz are the FT's acting co-heads of audio. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
European countries have committed to higher defence spending to face down Russian aggression. But preparing for war isn't cheap – and in many countries, budgets are already stretched. How will European members of Nato hit their defence targets, a hefty 5% of GDP? Will EU states look beyond their own national champions, and commit to greater co-operation on defence funding and purchases? And what kind of new institutions would be necessary to make that happen? To find out, Sam Fleming speaks to Jeromin Zettelmeyer. He is the director of the Brussels-based think tank, Bruegel, and has previously held senior roles at the IMF, the Peterson Institute, and in the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Clips: BBC, Bloomberg Television, European Commission, French Armed ForcesSam Fleming is the FT's economics editor. You can find his articles here: https://www.ft.com/sam-flemingSubscribe to The Economics Show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen. Presented by Sam Fleming. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. Flo Phillips is the executive producer. Manuela Saragosa is the FT's acting co-head of audio. Original music from Breen Turner, and sound design by Breen Turner & Sam Giovinco.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
One of the gravest security lapses in UK history came to light this week after a judge lifted a superinjunction on a catastrophic data leak that could have affected 100,000 Afghans, as well as British spies and special forces members. Political Fix's Lucy Fisher, one of the journalists who broke the story, returns to the show to talk with host George Parker about how the FT uncovered the secret scheme, the superinjunction that was imposed on her, and the political fallout from the exposé. And the FT's Jim Pickard and Ashley Armstrong join to discuss the reaction to Rachel Reeves' Mansion House speech, as well as Keir Starmer's suspension of more MPs. Follow George Parker on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Lucy Fisher @lucyfisher.bsky.social, @LOS_Fisher; Jim Pickard @pickardje.bsky.social; Ashley Armstrong @aarmstrongsays.bsky.social What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: UK set up secret Afghan immigration scheme after data leak and gagged media The British state's battle to contain the fallout from catastrophic Afghan data leak‘What reforms?' City leaders underwhelmed by Rachel Reeves' financial strategy Keir Starmer suspends four rebel Labour MPsSign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Israel's military victories have brought little comfort to Israelis who are focused on the fate of those hostages still in Gaza. Sasha Polakow-Suransky, FT executive opinion editor, talks with Dahlia Scheindlin, Israeli pollster and author of The Crooked Timber of Democracy in Israel: Promise Unfulfilled about what Israelis want. Why has widespread opposition to many of the Netanyahu government's policies so far failed to translate into political change? And why do Israelis seem unable to sympathise with the plight of the Palestinians who are also caught up in the conflict? Clips: Reuters; France 24Free links to read more on this topic:Israel strikes Syrian military headquarters in DamascusBenjamin Netanyahu's government teeters as ultra-Orthodox party quits coalitionEU weighs sanctions on Israel as concerns mount over Gaza aid dealInside Gaza's ‘death traps'Israel's quiet war in the West BankSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Sasha Polakow-Suransky. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner and the executive producer is Flo Phillips.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Emmanuel Macron made his state visit to the UK this week – the first EU leader to do so since Brexit. It heralded a reset between France and Britain, dubbed the ‘entente amicale' by King Charles. Macron and Starmer announced a joint crackdown on migration with a ‘one-in one-out policy' for asylum seekers and closer cooperation on defence. But it wasn't all hard talk, with much of the limelight focused on a soft-power push: the announcement that the Bayeux Tapestry will be returning to the UK for the first time in more than 900 years. Host George Parker is joined by Stephen Bush, Anna Gross and the FT's Europe editor Ben Hall to discuss what this ‘entente amicable' might mean for the UK.Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social, @stephenkb; Anna @annasophiegross.bsky.social What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: Britain, France and the necessary relationship Keir Starmer and Emmanuel Macron announce migrant returns dealHow the British Museum secured chance to host Bayeux Tapestry after 900 years Small boat crossings to UK soar in first half of year Inside Politics: Jake Berry's defection signals Tory party is in deep trouble Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa.Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 9 marked the end of President Trump's 90-day pause on his so-called reciprocal tariffs. Now that deadline has passed … what has actually changed? The FT's senior trade writer Alan Beattie discusses with former trade negotiator Dmitry Grozoubinski, author of ‘Why Politicians Lie About Trade'. Dmitry explains why Trump's tariff threats are as ineffective as they are unusual, how countries are approaching his ‘vibes-based' trade policy, and what Dmitry would advise if he was negotiating with the US now.Want more?Trump's tariff shambles is a helpful warning to the worldDonald Trump threatens new tariffs on CanadaAlan Beattie is the FT's senior trade writer. He writes the Trade Secrets newsletter every Monday. Read Alan's columns here: https://www.ft.com/alan-beattieSign up to the Trade Secrets newsletter here. Subscribe to The Economics Show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen. Presented by Alan Beattie. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. Flo Phillips is the executive producer. Manuela Saragosa is the FT's acting co-head of audio. Original music and sound design by Breen Turner. Mix by Sam Giovinco. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Russia's attacks on Ukraine are escalating, both on the front lines and across urban centres. Ben Hall, the FT's Europe editor, talks to military analyst Franz-Stefan Gady about Ukraine's battle to hold onto territory until a ceasefire can be agreed. Clips: Channel 4; ABCFree links to read more on this topic:Russia attacks Ukraine's draft officesRussia hits Ukraine with biggest air attack of the warNato's summit cannot disguise Ukraine's plightKyiv's sleepless nights under fireSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Ben Hall. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner and the executive producer is Flo Phillips.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the sixth of this six-part series of The Economics Show, Martin Wolf, the FT's chief economics commentator, and Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman tackle a selection of questions, and even some criticisms, sent in by their audience. Listen to Paul Krugman's cultural coda, Carole King's It's too late, here Listen to Martin Wolf's cultural coda, Va Pensiero from Verdi's Nabucco, hereSubscribe and listen to this series on The Economics Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Episodes are also available on the FT's YouTube channel.Read Martin's FT column hereSubscribe to Paul's substack hereThe Wolf-Krugman Exchange was produced by Sandra Kanthal and Mischa Frankl-Duval, and the broadcast engineer was Andrew Georgiades. The sound engineer was Breen Turner. Manuela Saragosa is the FT's acting co-head of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Peter Thiel is unlike any other Trump tech bro. As well as a wildly successful investor, he's seen as a thinker - the philosopher king of Silicon Valley. Thiel's acolytes in the tech world and Washington include vice-president JD Vance but his relationship with the Trump camp is complicated. And there are still questions about what, if anything, he wants with the president.In the final episode of this season of Tech Tonic, Murad Ahmed speaks to FT columnist Gillian Tett about Thiel's political philosophy, and to Tabby Kinder, the FT's West Coast financial editor, about his influence in Silicon Valley.Free to read:How Peter Thiel and Silicon Valley funded the sudden rise of JD VanceA time for truth and reconciliation (written by Peter Thiel)How a little-known French literary critic became a bellwether for the US rightPalantir's ‘revolving door' with government spurs huge growthThis season of Tech Tonic is presented by Murad Ahmed and produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon. The senior producer is Edwin Lane and the executive producer is Flo Phillips. Sound design by Sam Giovinco. Breen Turner and Samantha Giovinco. Original music by Metaphor Music, Manuela Saragosa and Topher Forhecz are the FT's acting co-heads of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week marks a year of Keir Starmer's government. But if Labour was expecting to celebrate the anniversary – it didn't pan out that way. Despite claiming a narrow victory with the contentious welfare bill, the government appeared to have one of its roughest weeks on record. Host George Parker is joined by Stephen Bush, Miranda Green and Robert Shrimsley to discuss how Labour got here, and where it can go next. To mark the occasion, they are also joined by a cut-price supermarket cake. Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social, @stephenkb What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: How Keir Starmer fumbled his first year in powerWhy Starmer and Reeves got this one wrongRobert's column: Crying for a lost Labour governmentWhich UK taxes are expected to rise in the autumn budget? Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gideon talks to Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates, the world's largest hedge fund and author of a new book: How Countries Go Broke. They discuss the size of the US debt and what history tells us about identifying warning signs. Clip: CBSFree links to read more on this topic: Is Donald Trump's ‘big, beautiful bill' a political curse for Republicans?Fears over US debt load and inflation ignite exodus from long-term bondsDonald Trump's big, beautiful act of self-harmThe fall in the dollar is not scarySubscribe 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 the executive producer is Flo Phillips.Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the fifth of this six-part series of The Economics Show, Martin Wolf, the FT's chief economics commentator, and Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman discuss the way American politics is crashing against both the guardrails of a stable, democratic system and the rules and norms of the postwar economic order and how this could jeopardise the importance of the US on the world stage.Paul Krugman's Cultural Coda: Stephen Sondheim: "We had a good thing going"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTbrbiM-slg&list=RDNTbrbiM-slg&start_radio=1Martin Wolf's Cultural Coda:Jonas Kaufmann: Freiheit from Beethoven's Fideliohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvfhmGsFMEoSubscribe and listen to this series on The Economics Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Episodes are also available on the FT's YouTube channel.If you'd like to get in touch and ask Martin and Paul a question, please email economics.show@ft.com Read Martin's FT column hereSubscribe to Paul's substack hereThe Wolf-Krugman Exchange is produced by Sandra Kanthal. The broadcast engineer was Rod Fitzgerald. The sound engineer is Breen Turner. Manuela Saragosa is the FT's acting co-head of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has undergone a transformation, both physical and political. The skinny teenager who founded Facebook in his dorm room is now a muscular jiu-jitsu enthusiast who's called US President Donald Trump a “badass” and wants to see more “masculine energy” in the workplace. Is this all an act? Is Zuckerberg doing whatever it takes to ingratiate himself with the Trump administration and ensure that Meta emerges a winner in the AI race? Or has “Maga Mark” been the real Mark Zuckerberg all along? Murad Ahmed speaks to Hannah Murphy, the FT's technology correspondent in San Francisco, and to Katie Harbath, a former Facebook executive under Zuckerberg and now CEO of Anchor Change.Free to read:How Mark Zuckerberg unleashed his inner brawlerHow Joel Kaplan became Mark Zuckerberg's most trusted political fixerOpenAI says Meta is trying to poach staff with $100mn sign-on offersTech titans stand with Donald Trump to kill off activism in Silicon ValleyThis season of Tech Tonic is presented by Murad Ahmed and produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon. The senior producer is Edwin Lane and the executive producer is Flo Phillips. Sound design by Odinn Ingibergsson, Breen Turner and Samantha Giovinco. Original music by Metaphor Music, Manuela Saragosa and Topher Forhecz are the FT's acting co-heads of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Sir Keir Starmer faced a huge rebellion from within his own party this week after scores of MPs opposed changes to make it tougher to collect some disability benefits. This episode — recorded just before the prime minister's concessions on welfare reform — unpacks why the rebellion took place, what it says about Starmer's leadership and where next for Labour. Host Miranda Green is joined by Stephen Bush and Jim Pickard — check out their recent articles below for fresh analysis on the government climbdown. Plus, FT chief foreign affairs commentator Gideon Rachman on Starmer's performance at the Nato summit and the impact on the UK of global uncertainty. Follow Miranda on Bluesky: @greenmirandahere.bsky.social; Jim @pickardje.bsky.social; Stephen on Bluesky or X @stephenkb.bsky.social, @stephenkb; Gideon @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanWhat did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: How Starmer averted ‘civil war' with Labour MPs after diluting welfare cuts Welfare U-turn permanently alters Labour's playbookMorgan McSweeney: Labour's election fixer under fire as welfare rebellion loomsA defeat Keir Starmer cannot affordThe latest episode of The Rachman Review: ‘Too soon to celebrate peace between Israel and Iran?' To mark one year of the Labour government, Political Fix regulars Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green will be answering readers' questions on July 3 at 1pm. Take part in our live Q&A by going to FT.com/labouryear. Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by Miranda Green, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music by Breen Turner, mix by Jean-Marc Ek. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos was once a vocal critic of Donald Trump. But that changed during last year's election campaign. Now, he has instructed the newspaper he owns, The Washington Post, to shift its editorial line to be more in line with the president. So what provoked Bezos's political change of heart?Murad Ahmed and the FT's US media editor Anna Nicolau speak to Marty Baron, the former executive editor of the Washington Post, about why Bezos bought the Post in the first place, the effect his ownership is having on the newspaper, and how the editorial shift is symptomatic of a larger impact the president seems to be having across the American media landscape. Jeff Bezos and the Washington Post did not reply to a request for comment.Free to read:How Jeff Bezos made peace with Donald Trump Jeff Bezos focuses Washington Post opinion pages on ‘personal liberties' and ‘free markets'Jeff Bezos to sell up to $4.75bn in Amazon stockAmazon to begin deploying rival satellites to Starlink this month This season of Tech Tonic is presented by Murad Ahmed and produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon. The senior producer is Edwin Lane and the executive producer is Flo Phillips. Sound design by Breen Turner and Samantha Giovinco. Original music by Metaphor Music, Manuela Saragosa and Topher Forhecz are the FT's acting co-heads of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Will he? Won't he? President Donald Trump has given little indication as to whether America will join in the conflict between Israel and Iran. So where does this leave the UK and its assets in the region? How does the prime minister play his hand with the president, and what does that mean for his relationship with his own party, especially given Labour's track record? Host George Parker is joined by the FT's Middle East editor Andrew England, alongside regular guests Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green, to discuss Sir Keir Starmer's options. Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social; Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.socialWhat did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: Starmer puts UK cabinet on alert for potential US attack on IranThe implosion of Iran's ‘no peace, no war' strategy Europe set for Iran talks as Trump signals 2-week window to decide on attackTrump says he ‘may or may not' strike IranTo mark one year of the Labour government, Political Fix regulars Stephen Bush, Robert Shrimsley and Miranda Green will be answering reader questions about what's coming next on July 3 at 1pm. Take part in our live Q&A by going to FT.com/labouryear. Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter. Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Israel has launched an aerial bombardment of Iran, with the aim, it says, of ending Iran's nuclear ambitions. Gideon talks to Philip Gordon, who was national security adviser to former US vice-president Kamala Harris, about how realistic Israel's aims are, Iran's capacity to fight back, and whether the US is about to be drawn into another conflict in the Middle East. Clips: Channel 4 News, The IndependentFree links to read more on this topic:War on Iran is splitting Trump's Maga movementCan an American bunker-buster destroy Iran's nuclear mountain?Could strikes on Iran cause a nuclear disaster?Let them kill us': millions of Iranians refuse to leave TehranSubscribe 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 the executive producer is Flo Phillips.Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the third of this six-part series of The Economics Show, Martin Wolf, the FT's chief economics commentator, and Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman discuss the dangers facing the world economy and wonder what outcomes are possible at summits such as the G7 in times of political and economic risk.Paul Krugman's Cultural Coda:Peter Gabriel: “Games Without Frontiers”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xZmlUV8muY&list=RD3xZmlUV8muY&start_radio=1Martin Wolf's Cultural Coda: "The Second Coming" - by William Butler Yeats, 1919https://youtu.be/QI40j17EFbISubscribe and listen to this series on The Economics Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Episodes are also available on the FT's YouTube channel.If you'd like to get in touch and ask Martin and Paul a question, please email economics.show@ft.com Read Martin's FT column hereSubscribe to Paul's substack hereThe Wolf-Krugman Exchange was produced by Sandra Kanthal and Mischa Frankl-Duval, and the broadcast engineer was Andrew Georgiades. The sound engineer was Breen Turner. Our executive producer is Flo Phillips. Manuela Saragosa is the FT's acting co-head of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When Donald Trump re-entered the White House, Elon Musk came with him as his ‘tech bro-in-chief', tasked with rebooting the government machine. But five months on, Musk's ambitious plan to cut $2tn from the annual government budget has failed, and his relationship with the president has ended in a bitter break-up. Could the world's richest man come to regret his time in politics?Murad Ahmed speaks to Joe Miller, the FT's Washington correspondent, about how and why Musk's time in DC came to an abrupt end, and to Stephen Morris, the FT's San Francisco bureau chief, about what this means for Musk's business empire.Free to read:What has Elon Musk's Doge actually achieved?Elon Musk counts the cost of his ‘government efficiency' blitzAre Donald Trump and Elon Musk now enemies?Musk vs Trump is a cautionary tale for Silicon ValleyThis season of Tech Tonic is presented by Murad Ahmed and produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon. The senior producer is Edwin Lane and the executive producer is Flo Phillips. Sound design by Breen Turner and Samantha Giovinco. Original music by Metaphor Music, Manuela Saragosa and Topher Forhecz are the FT's acting co-heads of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Labour's long-awaited spending review dropped this week. Rachel Reeves unveiled funding settlements for government departments – and a newly upbeat tone after the gloomy promise of hard times in her previous Commons set pieces. The NHS and defence were prioritised but other departments and services face a squeeze. Are dividing lines now clear as Labour fights for a second term in power? Why did even the experts call Reeves' speech “baffling”? Will voters notice any benefit – and in time for an electoral dividend? Host Miranda Green is joined by regular panellists Stephen Bush and Jim Pickard, as well as the FT's economics commentator Chris Giles, to discuss. Follow Miranda @greenmirandahere.bsky.social, Jim @pickardje.bsky.social, Stephen @stephenkb.bsky.social, @stephenkb; Chris @chrisgiles.ft.com, @ChrisGiles_What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: Rachel Reeves will be forced to raise taxes in autumn, economists predict Only a crisis will wean the west off debt England's social housing funds ‘less generous' than £39bn settlement suggestsUK suffers worst monthly contraction since 2023Labour has made its big play. Are you not convinced? Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter' award. And here's Chris Giles' latest newsletter. Presented by Miranda Green, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa.Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In the second of this six-part series of The Economics Show, Martin Wolf, the FT's chief economics commentator, and Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman discuss the way economic trends have fractured societies on both sides of the Atlantic and the jeopardy that poses to liberal democracies in Europe and America. Paul Krugman's Cultural Coda: Let America Be America Again by Langston Hugheshttps://poets.org/poem/let-america-be-america-againMartin Wolf's Cultural Coda: The Tariff Song by Dan Shorehttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eWtn6kWXAsQ&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=emailSubscribe and listen to this series on The Economics Show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Episodes are also available on the FT's YouTube channel.If you'd like to get in touch and ask Martin and Paul a question, please email economics.show@ft.com Read Martin's FT column hereSubscribe to Paul's substack hereThe Wolf-Krugman Exchange was produced by Sandra Kanthal and Mischa Frankl-Duval, and the broadcast engineer was Andrew Georgiades. The sound engineer was Breen Turner. Manuela Saragosa is the FT's acting co-head of audio.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
UK chancellor Rachel Reeves has had an action-packed week. She made a U-turn on winter fuel payments, announced plans to spend billions of pounds on new transport schemes and, following the prime minister's latest announcement, she now has to find yet more money to fund a rise in defence spending. So where does this leave the chancellor ahead of the spending review next Wednesday? And who will be the winners and losers? Host George Parker is joined by the FT's Robert Shrimsley, Sam Fleming and Jennifer Williams to discuss. Follow George on Bluesky or X: @georgewparker.bsky.social, @GeorgeWParker; Sam Fleming @Sam1Fleming, Robert @robertshrimsley, @robertshrimsley.bsky.social, Jennifer Williams @jenwilliamsft, @jenwilliamsft.bsky.social What did you think of this episode? Let us know at politicalfix@ft.com Want more? Free links: ‘Accept it or you have to walk': Labour's UK spending review battles enter final stage Rachel Reeves to back Manchester-Liverpool rail link in transport spending boost Reeves can no longer outrun Labour's early choices Rachel Reeves vows to reinstate some winter fuel payments this year Reform UK chair Zia Yusuf resigns from party Sign up here for 30 days free of Stephen Bush's Inside Politics newsletter, winner of the World Association of News Publishers 2023 ‘Best Newsletter' award. Presented by George Parker, and produced by Lulu Smyth. The executive producer is Flo Phillips. Original music and mix by Breen Turner. The broadcast engineer is Rod Fitzgerald. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Manuela Saragosa. Read a transcript of this podcast on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gideon Rachman and China historian Rana Mitter discuss the evolution of Xi Jinping from internal exile, to party apparatchik, to strongman leader. What motivates Xi and what's behind his friendship with the Russian leader? This episode is an edited recording of an event organised by Intelligence Squared that took place in central London late last month. Clip: CGTNFree links to read more on this topic:Donald Trump says China's Xi Jinping is ‘hard to make a deal with'Xi's history shapes China's diplomatic strategyChinese defence minister set to skip security forum in SingaporeChina's Xi Jinping likens ‘US hegemony' to ‘fascist forces' ahead of Vladimir Putin summitXi and Putin are the greatest beneficiaries of Trump's chaosSubscribe 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 the executive producer is Flo Phillips.Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.