Podcasts about Bronwen Maddox

Alex Forsyth presents political discussion from The Corn Hall, Diss.

Following Israel's strikes on Iran on 13 June, and the subsequent sequence of retaliation and counter retaliation, fears are rising that the conflict could escalate.   In this special episode of Independent Thinking (an edited version of a live webinar) Galip Dalay joins a panel of experts to discuss strategic goals, the responses of the key regional and international actors, including the Gulf states and the US, and what if any viable diplomatic or military off-ramps exist to prevent a broader regional war. Read our latest: Trump must take control as Israel–Iran war threatens to escalate Iran–Israel conflict: Iran has run out of good options It's time to rethink the G7  Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Summer issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Guests include First Minister Eluned Morgan; Adam Price MS, Chatham House director Bronwen Maddox; Prof Elin Haf Gruffydd Jones and Judith Mackrell. The paper reviewers are Baroness Ilora Finlay and Plaid Cymru councillor Steve Skivens.

Is Britain chasing faded glory or forging a credible future? As the government lays out its latest spending review, Bronwen Maddox is joined by Jeremy Hunt and Samir Puri to ask whether bold talk of growth, defence and science hides a deeper strategic drift – or a real path back to global influence. Read our latest: Europe could win the battle for the future of digital money History suggests Trump's snapped back sanctions won't deliver change in Venezuela Why peacebuilding fails and what to do about it Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Summer issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Drones, AI, cyber warfare and nuclear weapons are a key part of the UK's new Strategic Defence Review, along with conventional weapons. Chatham House experts unpack the strategy, spending pledges and how Britain should adapt its military to deal with Putin, China, and Donald Trump. Bronwen Maddox is joined by Chatham House experts Grace Cassy, Marion Messmer and Olivia O'Sullivan to unpack the strategy, spending pledges, and the UK's place in a rapidly shifting global security landscape. Read our latest: The SDR presents an opportunity for the UK to become a leader in space – if it is followed by urgent investment The UK Strategic Defence Review draws the right lessons from Ukraine – but still relies on continued US commitment I was part of the team behind the UK Strategic Defence Review: Here is what shaped our thinking Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Executive producer - John Pollock. Produced by Amanda Nunn. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

As Gaza reels from staggering humanitarian devastation, Bronwen Maddox speaks with Yossi Mekelberg, Stephen Farrell, and Julie Norman to unpack the political drivers of Israel's war, the role of Donald Trump, and the region's competing visions for Gaza's future. From internal power struggles to shifting U.S. policy and Arab diplomatic proposals, this episode asks: what future is even possible for Gaza now? Read our latest: Gaza: War, hunger and politics The dissolution of the PKK could transform Turkey's domestic politics and foreign policy Escalating conflict in Tripoli exposes the realities of false stability – and international neglect in Libya Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Nine years after the Brexit vote, a new UK–EU deal promises smoother trade and deeper cooperation — but is it the end of the Brexit saga or just another chapter? Bronwen Maddox digs into what the deal really means with Rod Liddle and Nicolai von Ondarza, from political fallout to Britain's shifting role on the world stage. Read our latest: The dissolution of the PKK could transform Turkey's domestic politics and foreign policy The Pandemic Agreement may weaken, rather than strengthen multilateralism Escalating conflict in Tripoli exposes the realities of false stability – and international neglect in Libya Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

As trade tensions, security concerns, and diplomatic crossroads converge, the UK's bid for economic growth faces hard choices on the global stage. In this episode host Bronwen Maddox explores the UK's complex balancing act between the EU, US, and China with guests Janka Oertel and Sir Martin Donnelly. Read our latest: The UK–EU summit will bring some progress on defence cooperation. But more could be done on aid and trade Trump's Gulf tour exposes Netanyahu's increasingly isolated position on Gaza The UK government should prioritize linking carbon markets at the UK–EU summit Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Tensions between India and Pakistan have surged following a deadly attack in Kashmir and air strikes by India inside Pakistan. With nuclear risks, regional diplomacy, and rising domestic pressures in play, what could prevent this crisis from spiralling further?  In this episode, Bronwen Maddox discusses what this means for South Asia and the world with Marion Messmer, a senior research fellow with our International Security Programme; Chietigj Bajpaee, the senior research fellow for South Asia with our Asia-Pacific Programme; and Stephen Farrell, our head of News and Comment. Read our latest: After India's missile strikes on Pakistan, the risk of accidental escalation is high India–UK free trade agreement signals deepening bilateral relations Urgent mediation to save the Indus Waters Treaty could be a route to de-escalation between India and Pakistan Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. Executive producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

As Donald Trump floats a controversial peace deal that could leave Ukraine facing territorial losses and NATO exclusion, Kyiv is forced to weigh an impossible choice between sovereignty and survival.  Bronwen Maddox speaks with Orysia Lutsevych from Chatham House and Matthew Savill from RUSI about battlefield fatigue, shifting alliances, and the future of European security. Find out more: Trump's 100 days have been like no other The Kashmir attack will renew hostilities between India and Pakistan Merz and Macron can restart Europe's Franco–German engine Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

As the IMF Spring Meetings unfold in Washington DC, Bronwen Maddox asks whether we are witnessing the twilight of the US dollar's global dominance. Amid political shocks and shifting financial allegiances, could the world be inching towards a post-dollar era?  Bronwen is joined by Isabelle Mateos y Lago, chief economist at BNP Paribas, and David Lubin from Chatham House's Global Economy and Finance Programme to explore the dollar's uncertain future, the rise of digital and alternative currencies, and what it all means for global power and stability. Find out more: The US dollar's role in the international monetary system is now dangerously in flux President Trump's tariffs increase pressure on allies to reduce security dependence on the US How China–India relations will shape Asia and the global order Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

In this episode of Independent Thinking, we explore the root causes of corruption in Nigeria, its impact on everyday life, and potential solutions for change. Bronwen Maddox speaks with Leena Koni Hoffmann about her in-depth report on the issue, as well as insights from speakers at a Chatham House conference focused on Nigeria's ongoing fight against corruption. Read our work on Nigeria: Taking action against corruption in Nigeria Renewing Nigeria's anti-corruption agenda Tackling judicial bribery and procurement fraud in Nigeria Democracy in Nigeria Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. Executive Producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

President Trump has unveiled sweeping new trade tariffs—but what happens next? Bronwen Maddox explores the global reaction, the economic fallout, and whether this marks the beginning of the end for globalization.  She's joined by Jason Furman, former Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Barack Obama, alongside Dame DeAnne Julius and David Lubin from Chatham House's Global Economy and Finance Programme. Read our latest: Trump's ‘liberation day' tariffs are likely just the beginning of a longer-term vision. Putting the Digital Services Tax on the table in US negotiations sends worrying signal on UK digital sovereignty. The false economy of DOGE. Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. Executive Producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

In this week's episode of Independent Thinking, Bronwen Maddox discusses whether Europe can take up the mantle of the US, and lead the world as an economic and political powerhouse. Can Europe can fill the vacuum caused by America's shifting foreign policy, and in doing so, become more of an economic force? Bronwen explores this topic with three Chatham House experts - Creon Butler, Director of the Global Economy and Finance Programme, Olivia O'Sullivan, Director of the UK in the World Programme, and Nicolai von Ondarza, an Associate Fellow in our Europe Programme. Read our latest: Europe must forge a new role in the global economy China's military build-up indicates it is serious about taking Taiwan Competing visions of international order Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Jonathan Coates. Executive Producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Sonia Sodha of The Observer assesses the latest developments at Westminster.This week the Prime Minister kickstarted a mission to remake the state which he describes as "overstretched" and "flabby". He started by announcing he would abolish the arms-length body, NHS England. But there was ongoing disquiet in the Labour party about possible cuts to welfare spending which could be coming down the track. Sonia discusses all of this with former Conservative minister, Lord Willetts, who now chairs the Resolution Foundation, and Claire Ainsley, former director of policy for Keir Starmer.After a week of intense diplomatic manoeuvring, could a ceasefire in Ukraine be on the horizon? Sonia brings together Bronwen Maddox, director of the foreign policy think tank Chatham House, and Johnny Mercer, former Conservative MP and Minister for Veterans, who has just returned from a trip to Ukraine.Splits within Reform UK deepened this week following the party's suspension of one of its five MPs, Rupert Lowe, after allegations of bullying and threatening violence. Professor Jane Green of Oxford University analyses whether the ongoing row will halt Reform's surge in support.And, MPs who like to use TikTok are regularly flouting parliamentary rules on filming videos for social media. So do the rules need to change? Former Deputy Speaker, Nigel Evans, and Daily Mail political sketchwriter, Quentin Letts, discuss whether it's really a good idea.

In this week's episode Haid Haid, Rim Turkmani, and Lina Khatib discuss the recent developments in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.  We delve into the country's economic struggles, the rise of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the resurgence of sectarian violence, and the challenges facing Syria's path to democracy. It also explores the roles of regional and international players, including Turkey, Israel, and Iran, in shaping Syria's future. Read our latest: Ukraine enters a perilous phase of fighting and talking with no assured end in sight France should join NATO's nuclear sharing arrangements to strengthen European deterrence China's ‘two sessions': What did we learn about the Chinese economy? Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Jonathan Coates. Executive Producer: John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

With the UK pledging to increase defence spending to levels not seen since the Cold War, what does the future of British defence look like? In this episode, we discuss the evolving nature of warfare, the impact of technology on modern battlefields, and whether Britain is truly prepared for the next conflict. Joining Bronwen Maddox are Sir John Sawers, former head of MI6; James Heappey, former Armed Forces Minister; and Chatham House experts Samir Puri and Olivia O'Sullivan. Read our latest: Picking up the pieces after the Trump–Zelenskyy summit: Europe has mobilized, but the road will be bumpy What Ukraine can teach Europe and the world about innovation in modern warfare Europe must take the gamble and engage with China on Ukraine Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock with Indio Media. Read the Winter issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

As Donald Trump moves to reshape America's foreign policy, we discuss what this means for the allies in Europe. Can the the United Kingdom, France and Germany forge a new path or is transatlantic unity fading fast?  Bronwen Maddox is joined by the Chair of Chatham House Sir Simon Fraser, former Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief Gerard Baker, Marion Messmer, a senior research fellow with our International Security programme and Sebastien Maillard, an associate fellow with our Europe programme. Read our latest: It's not too late for the US to back Ukraine – for its own benefit After German election win, can Merz deliver leadership at home and in Europe? Trump is pushing Europe and China closer together. Europe should tread carefully Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock with Indio Media. Read the Winter issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Three years since the start of the Ukraine war, we have Ukrainian journalist Kateryna Gorodnycha and Bronwen Maddox from Chatham House with reaction to Donald Trump's comments this week, his call for an election and for further spending on defence in the UK and Europe. Health Minister Jeremy Miles is with us to respond to the pressures on the Welsh NHS, and Tonia Antoniazzi MP makes a passionate plea to keep Six Nations rugby free to air. Michael Mansfield KC discusses the relationship between politicians and lawyers. Reform's Caroline Jones and Dr Nina Jones from Cardiff Met university joins us to review the papers.

Ties between the US and Ukraine have soured with Donald Trump calling Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy a ‘dictator' in a public war of words. Meanwhile US and Russian diplomats met in Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine's future without representatives from Kyiv or Europe. Should the continent be preparing for a future without the US as an ally? Bronwen Maddox is joined by historian and author Timothy Garton Ash, Georgina Wright, visiting fellow at the German Marshall Fund and Orysia Lutsevych, deputy director for Chatham House's Russia and Eurasia Programme. Read our latest: What the UK should do in defence of Ukraine and Europe Europe needs to make its own plan for peace in Ukraine – and rouse its people to the threat from Russia German election: Far-right firewall weakens as immigration concerns take centre stage Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock with Indio Media. Read the Winter issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

America's Marco Rubio and Russia's Sergey Lavrov have met in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine war peace talks. The US says a peace deal must be "fair, enduring and acceptable to all the parties involved" - not that all the parties - like Ukraine or the Europeans - were invited by Donald Trump to the first round of the talks. So what do Russia and the US really want to get out from it? And will Russia be brought in from the cold internationally? To discuss this on this episode of The Fourcast, Matt Frei is joined by Bronwen Maddox, the Director of the international think tank Chatham House, and Channel 4 News' International Editor Lindsey Hilsum. Produced by Silvia Maresca, Ka Yee Mak and Rob Thomson.  

Sixty countries signed a declaration on 'inclusive' artificial intelligence at a global summit in Paris this week, but the UK and US refused. What was agreed at the summit, why did London and Washington decline to sign and what comes next? Bronwen Maddox is joined by Professor Birgitte Andersen from Birkbeck Business School, Lord Tim Clement-Jones, Co-Chair of the UK All-Party Parliamentary Group on AI and Alex Krasodomski, Programme Director, for Chatham House's Digital Society Programme. Read our latest: Events in the DRC show a new realpolitik is emerging in Africa – one that is fraught with danger Modi's Washington visit highlights India's importance to the US, but will not resolve long-term challenges The international trading system needs urgent support to survive Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock with Indio Media. Read the Winter issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

President Trump has threatened to put tariffs on Mexico and Canada and imposed them on China, fuelling fears of a looming global trade war. With the European Union likely next in his sights – what is the US president trying to achieve with these tactics? And what are the consequences? Bronwen Maddox is joined by Creon Butler, the director of our Global Economy and Finance programme, economist Linda Yueh and ambassador Julian Ventura, both associate fellows with our US and Americas programme. Read our latest: Trump's tariffs are delayed but they have already done long-term damage to US–Canada relations Event | The rewriting of North America: How are Canada and Mexico adapting to Trump? Warming India–Indonesia rhetoric belies challenges of Global South leadership Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock with Indio Media. Read the Winter issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Alex Forsyth presents political debate from The Bishop's Stortford High School in Hertfordshire.

President Trump wants a peace deal in Ukraine and has signalled he's willing to put pressure on Vladimir Putin to achieve it. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also appears more open to a deal – if there is a guarantee for Ukraine's security. Bronwen Maddox is joined by Mark Landler, London Bureau Chief of the New York Times, The Telegraph's Francis Dearnley who hosts the award-winning podcast Ukraine: The Latest and Orysia Lutsevych, the deputy director of our Russia and Eurasia programme. Read our latest: Can the international order survive Trump 2.0? The world should take the prospect of Chinese tech dominance seriously, and start preparing now South Africa's G20 presidency is a chance for the West to engage with Global South priorities The Trump administration's sanctions policy could matter more than its use of tariffs Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock with Indio Media. Read the Winter issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

A fragile ceasefire and hostage deal has been agreed between Israel and Hamas to end 15 months of war and suffering. Chatham House experts discuss the timing of the deal, whether it can hold and what comes next. Bronwen Maddox is joined by Sanam Vakil, the director of our Middle East and North Africa (MENA) programme, Leslie Vinjamuri, the director of our US and Americas programme, and Amjad Iraqi and Yossi Mekelberg, associate fellows with our MENA programme. Read our latest: The new Trump administration could herald a remaking of the international order. How should the world respond? Trump's ambiguous stance on China raises the risk of accidental conflict in the Indo-Pacific The tough dilemma Trump 2.0 poses for Beijing Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the Winter issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

From the devastating wars in Ukraine, Sudan and Gaza to Donald Trump's threats over Greenland and the Panama Canal, what are the places to watch this year? Bronwen Maddox is joined by Gideon Rachman, the FT's chief foreign affairs commentator, Leslie Vinjamuri, the director of our US and America's programme and Renad Mansour, a senior fellow for our Middle East and North Africa programme. Read our latest: As the UK government seeks greater engagement with China, a clearer strategy is crucial – and long overdue A rapid ceasefire in Ukraine could lead Donald Trump into a Russian trap With Trump's inauguration, the EU and Turkey must finally get serious about security cooperation Russia's economic dilemmas give Trump important leverage in negotiations on Ukraine. But will he use it? Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Cross-border conflict, evidence, policy and trends (XCEPT) Read the Winter issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Does Bashar al-Assad's removal offer a renewed chance for peace in Syria, or is his fall the start of a new phase of conflict in the Middle East? Bronwen Maddox is joined by Gideon Rachman, the FT's chief foreign affairs commentator, former BBC Persia journalist Rana Rahimpour and Haid Haid, a senior consulting fellow for our Middle East and North Africa programme. Read our latest: The fall of Assad has exposed the extent of the damage to Iran's axis of resistance While international support is crucial, Syrians must lead their country's political transition How South Korea's turmoil will reverberate beyond its borders  Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the Winter issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Five months in, has Sir Keir Starmer's foreign policy been a success? The UK-EU relationship remains a major challenge for 2025, as does the prospect of a new US president. How will Starmer respond, and will the recent Chagos Islands deal impact the UK's international standing? Bronwen Maddox is joined the BBC's diplomatic editor James Landale, Professor Anand Menon, the director of UK in a Changing Europe at King's College London and Olivia O'Sullivan and the director of our UK in the World programme. Read our latest: Starmer and his government must make a better case for an active UK foreign policy Syria's conflict was never going to stay frozen. A new push for a lasting peace is needed North Korea and Russia's dangerous partnership State capacity, mining and community relations in Peru Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the latest issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Europe is contending with a stagnating economy, political dysfunction in Germany and France, and Russia's relentless attacks on Ukraine, all while it looks to the return of Donald Trump. Will the continent's democracies hold together in the face of such challenges? Bronwen Maddox is joined by journalist and historian Timothy Garton Ash, Mujtaba Rahman, Europe Managing Director at the Eurasia Group and Armida van Rij, senior research fellow and the Head of our Europe programme. Read our latest: The break-up of Scholz's coalition government signals the end of Germany's old economic model The ceasefire in Lebanon has dealt a huge blow to Iran's regional strategy Why cyber doomsday warnings do more harm than good Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the latest issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Anne McElvoy and guests discuss the art of diplomacy from Ancient Greece to the Tudors and today's shifting international security as well as how its portrayed on screen in dramas like the BBC's Wolf Hall and the Netflix series The Diplomat. Her guests include: Former EU and US Ambassador Sir Nigel Sheinwald . Bronwen Maddox from the think tank Chatham House. Historian Dr Clare Jackson who is the author of Devil Land England Under Seige 1588-1688. Dr Holly Furneaux, Professor at Cardiff University talks about her research into "enemy intimacy" which is part of a new exhibition at the Imperial War Museum in London called War and the Mind.

The panel discuss whether the COP29 climate summit delivered anything meaningful and what Donald Trump's election means for combating climate change. As the world moves closer to crossing the 1.5 degree threshold, Bronwen Maddox is joined by former BBC journalist Roger Harrabin and Maria Netto, executive director of the Institute for Climate and Society in Brazil. Also with them from COP29 in Baku is Ruth Townend, senior research fellow with our Environment and Society Centre.  More from Roger Harrabin: BBC Radio 4 - The Year We Lost the Climate Read our latest: Closing the climate finance gap Azerbaijan's climate leadership challenge What is COP29 and why is it important? Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the latest issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

The re-election of Donald Trump has major consequences for America's relations with China. The panel discuss how the US-China relationship might change under the next president. Guest host Ben Bland is joined by historian and political scientist Professor Rana Mitter, the FT's US-China correspondent, Demetri Sevastopulo and Dr Yu Jie, a senior research fellow with our Asia-Pacific programme.  Read our latest: Trump's ‘America First' foreign policy will accelerate China's push for global leadership The Gulf will seek to manage Trump through self-reliance and pragmatism Donald Trump's policies risk making the US dollar a source of global instability Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the latest issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Donald Trump has decisively defeated Kamala Harris in the US presidential election. What does his return to the White House mean for America and the world? Bronwen Maddox is joined by Edward Luce, the FT's North America editor, Gerald Seib, the former Washington bureau chief of The Wall Street Journal and Leslie Vinjamuri, the head of our US and Americas programme. Read our latest: The election shows that Trumpism is here to stay America chooses a new role in the world 2024 US election results: what we know and what we expect Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the latest issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

North Korea is sending troops to Russia, but what is Kim Jong Un hoping to get from Vladmir Putin for military assistance against Ukraine? The panel also discuss the role military conscription plays in Israel, South Korea and Ukraine. Bronwen Maddox is joined by Edward Howell, the Korea Foundation fellow at Chatham House, Orysia Lutsevych, the head of our Ukraine Forum and Yossi Mekelberg, a senior consulting fellow with our Middle East and North Africa Programme. Read our latest: As the ruling party claims victory in Georgia's disputed election, Western condemnation is no longer enough Watch: 2024 US election: What will America choose? Watch: Is the world ready for the next pandemic? Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the latest issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Ahead of a crucial budget by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, the UK's national debt is at almost 100 per cent of GDP - and it's not alone. Many G7 economies face massive debt levels, restricting ambitions when it comes to foreign policy and global engagement. Bronwen Maddox is joined by Patrick Wintour, the Guardian's Diplomatic Editor and Ranil Dissanayake, a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Global Development. With them are Olivia O'Sullivan and David Lubin from Chatham House. Read our latest: Trust in US democracy is at stake in this election US election rhetoric on migration undermines Washington's soft power in Latin America Azerbaijan's climate leadership challenge Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the latest issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

France is facing political turmoil. The survival of Michel Barnier's new government rests on whether he can pass a controversial budget intended to rescue the country from its huge fiscal deficit. Bronwen Maddox is joined by Sophie Pedder, the Paris Bureau Chief of The Economist, Shahin Vallée, a former advisor to Emmanuel Macron and Armida van Rij, the head of our Europe programme. Episode includes a clip of Nancy Pelosi at Chatham House. Read our latest: Four scenarios for the end of the war in Ukraine Moldova and Georgia face crucial elections – and diverging paths How Beijing is closing surveillance gaps in the South China Sea Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the latest issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Sanctions regimes are intended to be preferable to military force as a tool of foreign policy, but do they work to change behaviour or end up hurting ordinary people? With Bronwen Maddox is Daniel W Drezner, Professor of International Politics at Tufts University, Allie Renison, Associate Director at SEC Newgate, and Chris Sabatini, Senior Research Fellow for Latin America with our US and Americas Programme.  Read our latest: How not to sanction | International Affairs journal  Why the US–India relationship needs a healthy dose of realism What the US election means for trade policy Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the latest issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Alex Forsyth presents political debate from St Matthew's Church in Walsall

On the first anniversary of the 7 October Hamas attacks, we discuss the possible pathways for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Bronwen Maddox is joined by Daniel Levy, the president of the US/Middle East Project. With them are Sanam Vakil, director of our Middle East and North Africa programme (MENAP) and Amjad Iraqi, a MENAP associate fellow. Read our latest: Israel needs a strategy for its place in the region that is not just attacks on current threats Israel's wars have sustained the destructive leadership which brought it to this crisis Palestinians must be given the space to reorganize their political agency Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the latest issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

With the Israeli military launching sustained attacks across Lebanon against Hezbollah, we explore why Israel has decided to ramp up strikes on Hezbollah now, even as the war in Gaza rages on and tensions continue to rise in the West Bank. Bronwen Maddox is joined by The Economist's Middle East correspondent, Gregg Carlstrom. With them are Lina Khatib and Yossi Mekelberg, associate fellows with our Middle East and North Africa Programme. Read our latest: Could Israel's attacks on Hezbollah open the way to a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities? Illicit gold is exacerbating Ethiopia's conflicts The three key priorities new NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte must get right Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the latest issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

As Ukraine waits to hear if it can use Western missiles to strike deep into Russia, we explore the current state of the Kursk offensive and the front lines in Donbas, and ask what if any strategy might change the course of the war into 2025. Guest host James Nixey is joined by the FT's Christopher Miller and military analyst Michael Kofman. With them is Olga Tokariuk, the OSUN academy fellow with our Ukraine Forum. Read our latest: Attacks on Hezbollah pagers will not improve Israel's situation on its border with Lebanon The war in Sudan is intensifying. Coordinated pressure is needed to prevent the country's fragmentation Austerity measures are on trial in Sri Lanka's first election since its economic collapse Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the latest issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Tuesday's debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump brought fierce exchanges over immigration, abortion and foreign policy, and showed that America's global role matters in this election. Bronwen Maddox is joined by David Weigel from Semafor and Clare Malone from the New Yorker to discuss what we learned and what to watch in the rest of the race. With them is Heather Hurlburt, associate fellow of our US and Americas programme. Read our latest: The Harris–Trump debate showed US foreign policy matters in this election The US election will take place in a polluted information space US dollar dominance is both a cause and a consequence of US power Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Read the latest issue of The World Today

To kick off the third series of the podcast, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Anne Applebaum joins Bronwen Maddox to discuss the network of autocracies that now challenge liberal democracies and the world order they once relied on. They explore how China, Russia, Iran and others cooperate, their attacks on liberal democracies – and what the rest of the world can do about it. Read our latest: Event | Why do autocrats survive? Are Ukraine's F-16s another case of too little, too late? More and more cases on war and genocide are being litigated at the ICJ Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Kamala Harris is closer than ever to being the president of the United States. Focus has been on America this week at the DNC, but what would a Harris presidency mean for the rest of the world? What foreign policy issues does she care about -- and how would she handle wars springing up around the globe? To find out, Ros Taylor is joined by Chatham House director Bronwen Maddox in The Bunker.   We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to Indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.   www.patreon.com/bunkercast   Written and presented by Ros Taylor. Produced by Eliza Davis Beard. Audio production by Tom Taylor. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Art by James Parrett. Music by Kenny Dickinson. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production   www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Venezuelans are protesting against Nicolás Maduro's claim to have won the presidential election. Bronwen Maddox is joined from Caracas by journalist turned opposition politician Paola Bautista de Aleman and the FT's Latin America editor Michael Stott. With them is Chris Sabatini, our Senior Research Fellow for Latin America. Read our latest: Venezuela's stolen election encourages the world's autocracies Israel's strikes in Iran and Lebanon don't hurt Hamas and Hezbollah much Does President Ruto have the means to appease Kenya's protestors? Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock. Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Democratic big hitters have coalesced around Kamala Harris as the Party's new nominee, but what do we know about her world view, especially on Gaza, and the place of US leadership in the world? Bronwen Maddox is joined by chief correspondent at the Washington Post, Dan Balz, political scientist Dan Drezner, and the Director of our US and Americas Programme, Leslie Vinjamuri, to discuss what a Trump-Harris race will look like, and how the winner might approach America's global role. Read our latest: Kamala Harris would bring greater foreign policy experience than most new US presidents Biden's decision to withdraw is an act of true leadership. It is also his best chance at ensuring his legacy Netanyahu's speech sought bipartisan support by invoking the threat of Iran Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Ruth Gold. Take part in The World Today's Reader Survey✏️ Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

The Republican National Convention is underway in Wisconsin just days after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. Bronwen Maddox is joined by journalists Edward Luce and David E Sanger to discuss the selection of J. D. Vance as Trump's running mate and what this means for America's future foreign policy. Joining them is Leslie Vinjamuri, the director of our US and Americas Programme. Read our latest: Three key issues require progress as the UK hosts European leaders for the EPC summit The new government must work hard to restore the UK's reputation as a champion of international law The illusion of legitimacy: unveiling Syria's sham elections Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock.  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

NATO's Washington summit takes place amid growing uncertainty about US leadership, and some of Russia's heaviest missile attacks on Ukraine since the start of the war. Bronwen Maddox is joined by two former US ambassadors to NATO, Kurt Volker and Ivo Daalder, to discuss the challenges facing the alliance. With them is The Telegraph's Roland Oliphant and Chatham House's Armida van Rij. Read our latest: As NATO leaders gather, Putin has been making peace proposals – why? Orbán is using Hungary's EU Council presidency to bulldoze EU norms China's third plenum marks a sea change in growth model Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock.  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast

Histories spanning the Big Bang to the present, and the story of an entire continent have been written by two of the Free Thinking guests tonight. What insights do big histories bring and what is the value of focusing on a single family or object ? And how do these approaches apply when looking at policy and government. Matthew Sweet's guests are:Professor Peter Frankopan has written New Silk Roads and The Earth Transformed: An Untold History Alison Light's most recent book of essays is called – Inside History: From Popular Fiction to Life-Writing, previous titles include Common People: The History of an English Family Zeinab Badawi is author of An African History of Africa. The first presenter of the ITV Morning News and co-presenter of Channel 4 News, she is president of SOAS University of London. Bronwen Maddox is CEO of Chatham House and a Visiting Professor in the Policy Institute at King's College London. She's been Director of the Institute for Government and editor and chief executive of the magazine Prospect. BBC Moscow Correspondent Steve RosenbergProducer: Lisa Jenkinson.