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What in God’s name is happening in Spain? Simon Hunter, editor of the English Edition of Spanish newspaper EL PAÍS, tries to explain it all to his beloved English-speaking audience
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A discussion programme with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by David Foster, it's about bringing people to the table, listening to every opinion, and analysing every point of view.
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I have conceived this podcast as a personal endeavour to bring interesting topics that I have encountered through my professional and academic life to the table. Each episode will take place as conversations with relevant guests who can shed light into the issues being discussed. The podcast will cover economic and political issues with major impact in the countries of the region. EU-Asia relations will feature prominently. I am currently working in Public Affairs in Brussels (Belgium). I ha ...
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NATO SUMMIT: New leader and membership for Ukraine?
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NATO has already confirmed Jens Stoltenberg is staying on as secretary general for another year. That has solved the issue of succession for now. But as the Alliance meets for its 2023 summit, what other challenges does it face? And more specifically, what can be done about Ukraine?Guests:Jamie SheaFormer Deputy Assistant Secretary General of NATOM…
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A 17-year-old French Algerian is shot dead and a police officer is in custody accused of his murder. But the violent unrest across France that followed the shooting, hints at issues that go well beyond just this one incident. So why is France such a hot-bed for civil unrest?Guests:Jonathan Miller Correspondent, SpectatorNabila RamdaniFrench Algeria…
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Could NATO members send troops to Ukraine?
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If NATO doesn’t offer Ukraine serious security guarantees at the Alliance’s summit next month, individual member nations may resort to putting troops on the ground. That’s the view of former NATO Secretary General Anders Rasmussen.If he’s right, what would be the consequences? And how would Russia react?Guests:Martin SmithSenior Lecturer in Defence…
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Finland’s Electricity Prices Fall Below Zero
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Electricity bills have spiked across Europe. But, in Finland it’s going in the other direction. In recent weeks prices have effectively dropped below zero. Some suggest the opening of Europe’s first new nuclear reactor in 15 years is the reason. Others suggest it’s hydropower. What exactly is Finland doing differently?Guests:Rauli PartanenScience w…
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SPAIN SNAP ELECTION: Could the far-right win?
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Spain will hold a snap general election next month - much earlier than expected. Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the vote after his party suffered heavy losses in regional electionsBut, he heads up an extremely fragile coalition. So is this high risk strategy likely to work? Or is Spain heading for a new era under an ultra conservativ…
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For months Ukraine has been calling on the West to supply it with F-16 fighter jets to help it fight Russia. While NATO nations have started to train Ukrainian pilots to fly them, still no actual jets have arrived. Will they help, and why does Kiev want F-16s specifically?Guests:Prof David StupplesProfessor of Military Intelligence Analysis and Ele…
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Moldova is pulling out of key agreements with the Russia dominated Commonwealth of Independent States.
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Why is South Africa such a strong supporter of Russia?
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South Africa has claimed a policy of so-called non-alignment over the war in Ukraine. But at the same time, some have suggested that in reality, it takes the side of Moscow and Vladimir Putin.So why would South Africa back Russia?Guests:Ebrahim Rasool, Former Amb. For South Africa To The United StatesChris VandomeSenior Research Fellow With The Cha…
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What Western media got wrong about the Turkish election?
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Ahead of Turkiye’s Presidential vote, many analysts in the Western media predicted an almost certain loss for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.So how did they get it so wrong?
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Why is Italy exiting the Belt and Road Initiative?
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The Italian government is reportedly close to pulling out of China’s Belt and Road initiative. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says Rome’s further involvement in Xi Jinping's global trade network is up for debate.But can she exit the agreement and please Washington, without making an enemy of Beijing?Guests: Stephen ChanProfessor of World Politics at…
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Would Russia really destroy the Nord Stream?
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An investigation by four Nordic public broadcasters has claimed that Russian ships were near the site of the explosion that took out the Nord Stream pipeline. However, there are no shortage of theories about who or what was behind the blast. And exactly how would Moscow benefit from destroying its own pipeline?Guests:Thomas O'DonnellGlobal Fellow o…
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Has Europe gone too far in diversifying its gas supplies?
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Europe was left scrambling for new sources of gas when Russia’s Gazprom turned off the taps in response to sanctions. Nations started pouring billions into securing Liquified Natural Gas, or LNG, to make up the shortfall. But has Europe ended up overcompensating?Guests:Ana Maria Jaller-MakarewiczEnergy Analyst for IEEFA's Europe teamThomas O’Donnel…
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Britain’s Foreign Secretary called for a constructive and robust relationship with China. James Cleverley accused Beijing of the biggest peacetime military buildup in history. But he also rejected the idea that China should be isolated. Comments which angered members of his own Conservative party who want a hard line. So what exactly is Britain’s s…
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The Dutch government’s push to close 30% of all cattle farms by 2030 in order to cut nitrogen emissions has been called by some: “a war on the nation’s farmers.” The result is a wave of protests AND a brand new political party representing disgruntled farmers that achieved unprecedented success in the recent election. So where does this end?Guests:…
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Does a Ukraine counter-attack have a chance?
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A counter-offensive by Ukraine’s military against the invading Russian forces has been touted for months. When and if it comes, does Kyiv have enough to win the war in Ukraine? Or is there another political end game?Guests:Keir Giles, Senior consulting fellow of the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House.Oleksiy GoncharenkoUkrainian MPCharle…
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SUDAN CRISIS: Should Europe do more to help?
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When fighting broke out in Sudan in April, Europe appeared to be caught by surprise. Not only was the EU and Britain powerless to prevent Sudan descending into violence - even the effort to evacuate European citizens turned into a scramble.So just how bad has Europe’s response been?Guests:Allam AhmedFounder of Sudan Knowledge Yassmin Abdel-MagiedAu…
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For decades the dollar has been by far the most dominant currency in global trade. Having control over the world’s currency of choice has been a huge advantage for America. And that’s an understatement. But is the world now going through a long predicted process of de-dollarisation?Guests:Wolfgang MunchauDirector of Eurointelligence.Kaia ParvChief …
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Wegovy: The truth about the anti-obesity drug
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A new wave of so-called anti-obesity drugs are promising a full-proof way of losing weight. And their popularity is growing. But how safe are they?Guests:Prof Alex MirasProfessor and Consultant in Endocrinology, Ulster UniversityDr Bharat PankhaniaSenior Clinical Lecturer at University of Exeter Medical School. Sarah DosanjhPsychotherapist who stud…
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Is there a new East-West split in Europe?
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How much trouble are the SNP in up in Scotland?
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Just a matter of weeks after electing a new leader, the Scottish National Party is facing a major crisis. Senior figures have been questioned by police over allegations related to the party’s finances. Among them is the husband of former leader Nicola Sturgeon. So just how bad are things for the SNP?Guests:Sir John CurticePolitical scientist and po…
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Macron calls on Europe to break free of the US and China
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French President Emmanuel Macron called on Europe to be more assertive in its dealings with the U.S. and China. He was speaking to journalists on the plane home from Beijing about his theory of “strategic autonomy” for Europe.So why did it cause such a diplomatic uproar?Guests:Denis MacShane Former UK Minister for EuropeKlaus LarresProfessor of His…
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OpenAI’s ChatGPT promises so much. It can already write essays, plan businesses and even code entire websites in a fraction of the time a human can. But it’s making governments nervous, as they look for ways to regulate the spread of Artificial Intelligence.Italy banned the chatbot, saying a data breach had put users' conversations and payment deta…
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Is Meloni losing support in Italy over her backing of Ukraine?
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Polls in Italy show public support for sending weapons to Ukraine has plummeted. Despite that, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni says she will continue to back Kyiv because, in her words, “it is right to do so”. However, it’s not just the general public who is not fully behind her position on Ukraine. Even her own party and coalition partners appear to…
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The US was the first to begin steps to ban Tiktok. Now governments across Europe are following suit by insisting that the Chinese-owned app is removed from the phones of all government officials. What exactly are they so worried about?GUESTS:Gavin Millard Deputy Chief technology officer for TenableRoss BrewerChief Revenue Officer of SimSpaceEinar T…
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Putin indicted by the ICC: what does that actually mean?
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The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 17th. He’s accused of being responsible for the forced deportation of Ukrainian children. But in practical terms, what does that warrant really mean for Putin?Guests:Toby CadmanInternational Criminal Law specialist and Co-head of Guernica 37 Cham…
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AUKUS: what does it mean for global power?
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Under the umbrella of the so-called AUKUS partnership, Australia will acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, and combine forces with America and Britain.The aim is to counter any perceived threat from China in the Pacific, but could it actually increase the chances of conflict?Guests:Klaus W. LarresProfessor of History & International Affai…
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First, Silicon Valley Bank collapsed. Then, Switzerland’s Credit Suisse had to be rescued in a buyout from its biggest rival. Now, there are rumors other institutions are staring into the abyss. But Europe insists its banking system is not at risk. How can it be so sure?Guests:Ann Pettifore Economist & Director PRIME EconomicsRoss Clarke,Writer, Th…
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EU and Russia jostle for influence in Georgia
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Thousands took to the streets of Georgia’s capital Tbilisi when the government proposed a ‘Foreign Agent’ bill. Critics described the law as Russia-style, and the show of public anger led to it being withdrawn. On the face of it, the demonstrations appeared to highlight the country’s political fault lines. A pro-Russia elite versus a pro-EU public.…
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20 years ago, after months of diplomatic wrangling at the UN, a US-led coalition invaded Iraq. The opening salvoes were described as ‘shock and awe’, and the invading countries claimed to want to remove Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction, change the regime, and spread democracy to the Middle East. So what happened?Guests:Abdulrazzaq Al-Sa…
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Academics from Oxford University have a dire warning: If Artificial Intelligence is not regulated in the same way as nuclear weapons, it could kill every human and there’s nothing we could do about it? Is this an exaggeration, or something we should be taking much more seriously?GUESTS:Michael CohenResearcher in AI Safety at University of Oxford Ma…
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When former England footballer turned BBC TV host Gary Lineker condemned the government’s illegal immigration bill on Twitter, the broadcaster removed him from fronting the country’s biggest sports show.Lineker refused to take back his comments, and the BBC was accused of hypocrisy and lacking impartiality. Who was in the right? Guests:Femi Oluwole…
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China published a plan to end the conflict in Ukraine, yet at the same time it is widely seen as a close ally of Russia and critic of western policy towards Kiev. So, can Beijing be a credible peace broker?Guests:Theresa FallonDirector of the Centre for Russia Europe Asia Studies (CREAS) Hanna ShelestDirector of Security Programmes at “Ukrainian Pr…
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One year since Russia invaded Ukraine, there are few signs of any kind of ceasefire. In fact, all the indications are that the fighting is about to get worse. So, how will this conflict end?Guests:Ivanna Klympush-TsintsadzeChair of Ukrainian Committee of EU IntegrationAnthony BrentonFormer British Ambassador to RussiaWilliam CourtneyFormer US Ambas…
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President Emmanuel Macron declared French interference in Africa was over during a recent four nation tour to the continent. He was there with the aim of resetting relations based on mutual respect. Will his new approach work, or does colonial resentment just run too deep?GUESTS:Emmanuel DupuyPresident of Institute for European Perspective & Securi…
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In recent weeks Moldova has accused Russia of trying to destabilise it politically. There have been warnings of potential conflict, and there were even reports of a Russian missile flying through Moldovan airspace. What exactly is going on in Transnistria - and is it all linked to the war in Ukraine? Guests:Anna MatveevaVisiting Senior Research Fel…
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Shamima Begum left Britain as a schoolgirl to join the terrorists of Dayesh in Syria. As a result, the British government cancelled her citizenship and told her never to return. So exactly who is responsible for bringing her to account? And is cancelling someone’s citizenship ever acceptable?Guests:Rebecca ButlerBarristerAndrew DruryJournalist and …
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How has the war in Ukraine changed the global economy?
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Traditional trade relations destroyed, soaring energy prices, and the threat of severe global food shortages. How has Russia’s conflict with Ukraine changed the global economy?Guests: Yuri PoluneevFormer Member of the Ukrainian Parliament and Former Deputy Head of the Supervisory Board of the National Bank of UkraineArnaud PetitExecutive Director o…
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Russia thought it could take Kyiv in a matter of days, some Western analysts thought the same. But Ukraine is still standing.This conflict has had one foot in the past and one foot firmly in the future. There’s been First World War style massed artillery and infantry storming trenches on the one hand, but unmanned drones and ultra-modern missiles o…
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Why are 200 migrant children missing in the UK?
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200 asylum seeking children in Britain have gone missing from government care. The UK’s Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, linked their disappearance to ‘a criminal network’, and accused the government of ‘completely failing to stop them’. The authorities say they are trying to find the children, but is there any chance they will be found, and h…
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The demolition of a village in Germany to allow the expansion of a coal mine has, unsurprisingly, turned out to be hugely controversial.Police clashed with climate change activists trying to stop the bulldozing of Lützerath. Government ministers argue that with gas supplies from Russia now cut off because of the conflict in Ukraine, coal power is n…
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At the Davos meeting of the World Economic Forum this year, the heads of global politics and finance wrestled with the question of whether the era of globalisation is coming to an end. The conclusion? It depends on who you ask.Guests:Inderjeet Parmar Professor of International PoliticsStella Ladi Queen Mary University of LondonJames Mittelman Profe…
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Britain’s government is responding to record levels of strikes by passing laws aimed at restricting the right of workers to walk out. Trades unions accuse the Conservative government of acting like “a dictator” and carrying out a “horrific attack” on workers’ rights. Ministers say the legislation is essential to maintaining public safety. But is th…
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Are the Elgin Marbles finally heading home?
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The British museum says it's negotiating what it calls a ‘cultural exchange’ with Greece to return the Elgin Marbles. Also known as the Parthenon sculptures, the ancient works of art have been on display in London for more than 200 years. However, their presence is a diplomatic flashpoint, amid claims and counterclaims about how Britain got hold of…
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Is Germany’s new defence minister up to the job?
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Germany’s new defence minister has little military or ministerial experience, and takes up the job at a historic crunch point. Boris Pistorius has already overseen a decision which has seen Germany relent and agree to send main battle tanks to Ukraine. But can he survive in such a toxic job in the long term?GUESTS:Alim BaluchLecturer in German Poli…
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Andrew Tate: What fuels influencers like him?
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The arrest of Andrew Tate in Romania for suspected rape and sex offences has intensified the controversy about the social media superstar. He’s an icon to schoolboys and young men, with his playboy lifestyle and macho advice on how to strike it rich - and attract women.His opponents see him as a dangerous misogynist who boasts of abusing women and …
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The French are rebelling at government plans to raise the retirement age. President Emmanuel Macron says pension reforms are “essential and vital” to balance the budget. Trade union leaders are promising what they’re calling 'the mother of all battles' using strikes and protest rallies. That threatens a repeat of the chaos of last year when petrol …
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Could tanks be a game changer for Ukraine?
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Britain is sending Challenger Two tanks to Ukraine, and Poland plans to send a company of its German made Leopard 2 tanks.Berlin is now under severe political pressure to follow suit and send its own Leopard 2’s, amid severe criticism that it is failing to help Kiev fight back against Russian forces. So, if those tanks arrive, can they change the f…
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Israel-Palestine: China more vocal as Europe remains silent?
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The visit by a far-right Israeli government minister to the third-holiest site in Islam has caused an international outcry. However the European Union’s response has remained curiously muted. The Palestinian leadership denounced Itamar Ben-Gvir for “deliberate and unprecedented provocation” at the Al Aqsa mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem.…
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Covid-19 infections in China are rampant. 90% of people in Hunan province alone are thought to be carrying the virus. Some European countries have responded by demanding negative tests from anyone arriving from China.France, Italy and Spain have already imposed their own rules. China’s government says the restrictions are both ‘unreasonable and una…
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Britain’s royal family is under attack from one of its own. In his new book ‘Spare’, Prince Harry gives his side of the rifts in a family that used to pride itself on keeping its inner workings secret.But perhaps among the most damaging and possibly dangerous revelations are Harry’s nonchalant description of killing Taliban fighters in Afghanistan,…
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