Gideon talks to FT contributing editor Kim Ghattas about the rebel advances in Syria that have taken place in the wake of Israel’s bombardment of President Bashar al-Assad’s Hizbollah allies in Lebanon. Will Assad’s backers in Iran and Russia hold firm and can the ceasefire agreement in neighbouring Lebanon hold? Clip: Channel 4 News Free links to read more on this topic: Rebel advances in Syria spell danger for Russia’s Middle Eastern ambitions Inside Aleppo: the Syrian city captured by rebels ...
Dec 05, 2024•24 min
Gideon talks to Sir Alex Younger, former head of Britain's secret intelligence service MI6, about the "special relationship" between the US and the UK. They discuss Donald Trump’s choice of Tulsi Gabbard for the role of US director of national intelligence and they also consider what Britain needs to do to secure a role for itself in the world order. Free links to read more on this topic: Keir Starmer to urge G20 leaders to ‘double down’ on Ukraine support Bill Burns and Richard Moore: Intellige...
Nov 28, 2024•26 min
Gideon talks to Sebastian Mallaby, author of a best-selling book on Silicon Valley called The Power Law. They discuss the reason why Elon Musk decided to back Donald Trump for president, what the entrepreneur will bring to the Trump administration, and what Musk's businesses stand to gain. Clip: WFAA TV Free links to read more on this topic: Who’s who in the Musk ‘A-team’ vying to shape Trump 2.0 Elon Musk is an unguided geopolitical missile Valuations at Elon Musk’s SpaceX and xAI set to soar i...
Nov 21, 2024•24 min
Kevin Rudd, the former Australian prime minister, has made a life-long study of China’s leadership. He tells Gideon how an understanding of Communist ideology helps explain Xi Jinping’s decision to roll back on the market reforms of his predecessor Deng Xiaoping. They are also a crucial guide to what could happen next. Clip: Sky News Australia Follow Gideon on X @ gideonrachman Free links to read more on this topic: US-China relations will depend on which Trump shows up US Space Force warns of ‘...
Nov 14, 2024•25 min
Gideon talks to his colleague Ed Luce and to Susan Glasser of the New Yorker about what to expect from a second Trump presidency. Clip: Fox News Free links to read more on this topic: How Trump won in maps and charts Trump’s new world order Elon Musk’s gamble on Donald Trump pays off Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Samantha Giovinco. Read a transcript of th...
Nov 07, 2024•33 min
Gideon talks to Ivo Daalder, a former American ambassador to Nato and chief executive of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, about the potential threat to US democracy if Donald Trump wins next week’s presidential election. Clip: Politico Follow Gideon on X @ gideonrachman Free links to read more on this topic: How Trump learnt to love big business Trump is the man who would be king America isn’t too worried about fascism Kamala Harris warns of ‘more chaos’ under Donald Trump and vows ‘differ...
Oct 31, 2024•28 min
Gideon talks to Sigrid Kaag, the UN’s Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, about her efforts to keep hope alive during a humanitarian catastrophe. Clip: United Nations Follow Gideon on X @ gideonrachman Free links to read more on this topic: Israel ‘starting to implement’ north Gaza starvation plan, say rights groups Hamas chief’s death opens up choice for Benjamin Netanyahu over Gaza war US warns Israel humanitarian crisis in Gaza could threaten military aid Israel, Leba...
Oct 24, 2024•24 min
After three years of sanctions, women's lives in Afghanistan are highly restricted and hunger is widespread. So if sanctions have failed, is it time for the outside world to change its approach and re-engage with the country's Taliban rulers? Gideon discusses this question with Saad Mohseni, chair of Afghanistan’s largest television station and co-author of a new book Radio Free Afghanistan , and Afghan women's rights activist Fatima Gailani. Clip: CBS News Follow Gideon on X @ gideonrachman Fre...
Oct 17, 2024•26 min
Gideon talks to Norbert Röttgen, a CDU member of the foreign affairs committee of the German parliament and author of a new book called Democracy and War . Röttgen criticises Chancellor Olaf Scholz for failing to live up to his early pledges of support for Ukraine. He laments the country's 'deplorable' divide on the Ukraine war, but says he is convinced that most Germans recognise that a victory for Russia would be disastrous for Europe. Clips: SPD; Info fur die Welt Follow Gideon on X @ gideonr...
Oct 10, 2024•23 min
Gideon talks to Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East programme at Chatham House in London, about what Israel and Iran may be planning for their next move as the region slides towards all-out war. Clips: The Telegraph; BBC Follow Gideon on X @ gideonrachman Free links to read more on this topic: Middle East at war: 12 key moments Oil prices climb as Iran missile attack prompts supply fears Israel steps up offensive against Hizbollah as region braces for retaliation How Israeli spies penetrate...
Oct 03, 2024•24 min
Gideon talks to Kim Ghattas, an FT contributing editor based in Beirut, about Israel’s decision to step up its war against Lebanon’s Hizbollah. How will the militant group and its allies respond, and can the war be contained? Clips: Sky News; The Guardian Follow Gideon on X @ gideonrachman Free links to read more on this topic: Israel tells troops to prepare for possible ground offensive in Lebanon Military briefing: Israeli intelligence and air force use ‘victory doctrine’ against Hizbollah ‘Le...
Sep 26, 2024•20 min
As world leaders gather in New York for the UN General Assembly, Gideon Rachman speaks to António Guterres, secretary-general of the UN. Guterres explains why he thinks the organisation remains indispensable - as the world struggles to get to grips with an array of daunting global challenges - including war and climate change. Clip: The Guardian Free links: World must exit ‘highway to climate hell’, UN boss warns, as records are again broken China and US push each other on priorities for UN COP2...
Sep 19, 2024•21 min
Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region of Russia represented another sign that Vladimir Putin’s invasion is not going to plan. But numerous setbacks, and the sanctions regime imposed by the west, have so far failed to loosen the Russian leader’s grip on power. Gideon discusses why Russians are still backing Putin with Alexander Gabuev of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center. Clip: Deutsche Welle Follow Gideon on X @ gideonrachman Free links to read more on this topic: Vladimir Putin visits Mong...
Sep 12, 2024•29 min
Gideon talks to Gabriel Gatehouse about his new book, The Coming Storm: A Journey into the Heart of the Conspiracy Machine. They discuss the US Republican party’s embrace of far-fetched conspiracy theories, and how these are being deployed in the upcoming presidential election. Clip: CNN Follow Gideon on X @ gideonrachman Free links to read more on this topic: Conspiracy theories are being baked into American politics A mind-infecting virus: the dark dreams of QAnon Misinformed about misinformat...
Sep 05, 2024•26 min
Gideon talks to Takako Hikotani of the Asia Society Policy Institute about how Japanese attitudes towards security have changed in light of the war in Ukraine and China’s more aggressive stance in the South China Sea. Clips: CNA Follow Gideon on X @ gideonrachman Free links to read more on this topic: Japan says China’s airspace incursion ‘totally unacceptable’ Never a zealot, Fumio Kishida showed a surprising fearlessness China rejects Nato accusations of supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine US a...
Aug 29, 2024•24 min
Ben Hall, the FT’s Europe editor, discusses Ukraine’s Kursk incursion with Andriy Zagorodnyuk, former defence minister and chair of the Centre for Defence Strategies in Kyiv. What is the strategy behind the move? How could it affect the fighting elsewhere on the frontline and could it prove to be a turning point in the war? Clips: Global News; France 24 To take part in the audience survey mentioned by Benn, and to be in with the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, c...
Aug 22, 2024•17 min
Michael Stott, the FT’s Latin America editor, talks to Phil Gunson, a Caracas-based senior analyst for the International Crisis Group and Michael Shifter, former president of the Inter-American Dialogue think-tank in Washington, about the crisis in Venezuela. How long can Maduro cling to power, having so obviously lost the July election. Clips: Channel 4 News, The Economic Times To take part in the audience survey mentioned by Michael, and to be in with the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComf...
Aug 15, 2024•28 min
Two assassinations carried out by Israel, one in Beirut and one in Tehran, have brought threats of retaliation from Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hizbollah. Andrew England, the FT’s Middle East editor, discusses whether the latest escalation can be contained with Emile Hokayem, a Middle East expert at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Clips: AP; CBS To take part in the audience survey mentioned by Andrew, and to be in with the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 ...
Aug 07, 2024•26 min
Despite some early setbacks the Paris Olympics is proving a big success. The French have set aside their initial doubts and are enjoying a breather from the disagreements that have torn apart the political classes. Gideon asks Sylvie Kauffmann, editorial director of Le Monde, how long the truce can last. Clips: BBC To take part in the audience survey mentioned by Gideon, and to be in with the chance to win a pair of Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones, click here . Click here to find T&...
Aug 01, 2024•20 min
Gideon Rachman hosts the show from Washington, DC, with his guest Jacob Heilbrunn, the editor of the National Interest magazine. They discuss the state of the US presidential election after Joe Biden’s decision to stand down and endorse his vice-president, Kamala Harris. Heilbrunn makes an unusual prediction: he thinks Harris could win big. Clip: MSNBC Free links: Read Gideon’s latest column, Trump, Harris and a fear-filled campaign Read the latest FT report, What are Kamala Harris’s chances aga...
Jul 23, 2024•26 min
Gideon discusses the latest drama in the US presidential race with his friend and colleague Ed Luce at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. After his narrow escape from an assassination attempt, Donald Trump is looking like a winner. How would he change the US political landscape during a second term and can the Democrats find a strategy that will get them back in the race? Clip: CNN To take part in the audience survey mentioned by Gideon and to be in with the chance to win a pair of...
Jul 18, 2024•23 min
How easy will it be for Keir Starmer, Britain’s new prime minister, to reset relations with the EU, and what impact will political disarray in France have on leadership within the bloc? Gideon discusses these questions with Charles Grant, director of the London-based Centre for European Reform think-tank. Clip: BBC Free links to read more on this topic: France and Britain are changing places The French left needs to urgently learn the art of compromise Keir Starmer plans ‘road map’ for UK to hit...
Jul 11, 2024•23 min
Gideon talks to John Sawers, a former head of MI6, Britain’s secret intelligence agency, about the Israel-Hamas conflict. Is there any prospect of peace in Gaza? And how do the region's most powerful countries see their interests? Clip: BBC Free links to read more on this topic: Benjamin Netanyahu lays out plans for a summer of conflict ‘Smuggled’ food and $64 peppers: Gaza’s grocery stores fight to survive US expected to lift ban on sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia The Israel-Hamas war...
Jul 04, 2024•27 min
What would US foreign policy look like under a second Trump presidency? Gideon puts this question to former US state department official Jeremy Shapiro, who talks about the three camps hoping to shape the Republican nominee’s thinking on global affairs. Clip: Inquirer.net Free links to read more on this topic: The folly of the pro-Trump plutocrats The economic consequences of Mr Trump Trump donors warm to Marco Rubio as running mate Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts ...
Jun 27, 2024•25 min
This week South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa took office at the head of the country’s first power-sharing government since the immediate post-apartheid period. Many are hoping this will offer the prospect for economic renewal and bring much needed investment back to the country. Gideon discusses its chance of success with the FT’s Monica Mark and Alec Hogg, editor and publisher of Biznews.com . Clip: eNCA TV Free links to read more on this topic: Investors cheer as Cyril Ramaphosa sworn in...
Jun 20, 2024•24 min
After a grim showing for his party in the European elections, President Emmanuel Macron stunned observers by calling snap elections in France. With Marine Le Pen’s National Rally riding high in the polls, could French voters elect a far-right government? Gideon discusses the possible ramifications of Macron’s gamble with Célia Belin, head of the Paris office of the European Council on Foreign Relations. Clip: La Province Free links to read more on this topic: Jordan Bardella: the far-right TikTo...
Jun 13, 2024•27 min
Gideon talks to Oriana Skylar Mastro, author of Upstart: How China Became A Great Power . They discuss China’s rapid rise, Beijing’s ambitions on the global stage and how the US will respond. Clip: Bogdan Kokkonen Free links to read more on this topic: China emerges as one of biggest bilateral lenders to Philippines China hits out at ‘aggressive’ Taiwan for military build-up US and allies say China is ‘aggressively recruiting’ their fighter pilots China accuses US of seeking ‘Asia-Pacific Nato’ ...
Jun 06, 2024•29 min
Gideon talks to Henry Foy, the FT’s bureau chief in Brussels, about next week’s EU parliamentary elections. Far-right parties are set to win more seats, but how will this translate into their ability to influence policy? Clip: Bruegel TV How will the European parliamentary elections change the EU? Join Henry Foy and colleagues on June 12 for a subscriber webinar on the election results. You can register by going to ft.com/euwebinar Free links to read more on this topic: Ursula von der Leyen’s bi...
May 30, 2024•20 min
Introducing Power for Sale, a new season of Untold from the Financial Times. In Untold: Power for Sale, host Valentina Pop and a team of FT correspondents from all over Europe investigate what happened in the Qatargate scandal, where EU lawmakers were accused of accepting payments from Qatar to whitewash its image. Subscribe and listen on: Apple Podcasts , Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 29, 2024•2 min
Gideon discusses the state of Ukraine’s defences with Jack Watling, senior fellow for land warfare at the Royal United Services Institute. Russia’s advantage in ammunition and forces is beginning to show on the battlefield. What would it take to turn things back in Ukraine’s favour? Clip: BBC Free links to read more on this topic: Russia has advanced 10km towards Kharkiv, says Ukraine G7 warms to plan for Trump-proofing Ukraine aid Nato training soldiers in Ukraine does not escalate war, says Es...
May 23, 2024•25 min
