UnHerd political editor Tom McTague and Cambridge professor Helen Thompson team up to investigate the history of today’s politics — and what it means for our future. Each week they will explore the great forces, ideas and events that led us to where we are, whether in Britain, the United States, Europe or beyond. It’s a politics podcast for those who want a deeper, historical understanding of the news, to understand what has really shaped our world and why. We hope you enjoy! Don’t forget to rate, like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts — and, of course, to get in touch with all your questions and comments so we can respond in future episodes.
Email us at thesetimes@unherd.com or tweet us at @thesetimespod
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This episode analyzes Donald Trump's approach to a multipolar world, particularly focusing on its implications for Europe. It examines Trump's stance on Russia, complexities with China, and the consequent strategic shifts affecting European interests and NATO's stability. The discussion also covers rising geopolitical tensions involving Turkey and the broader implications of a shifting global order.
This episode analyzes the shift towards a multipolar world order, focusing on the roles of the US, China, and Russia. It examines the historical context, from China's economic integration to Russia's resurgence, and explores how American administrations have responded to these changing dynamics. The discussion covers key events, strategic decisions, and the implications for global power balances.
This episode explores the potential American debt crisis and whether Trump's political moves can be understood as a response. It delves into the scale of US borrowing, the proposed Mar-a-Lago Accord, and historical parallels with Nixon and Reagan. The conversation covers potential global implications and questions America's ability to maintain power.
This episode of These Times analyzes the US-Ukraine minerals deal, exploring its impact on intelligence sharing and arms supplies amid the ongoing war. It examines Zelensky's strategy to engage the US in resource development, the complexities of US dependency on China for critical minerals, and the potential for the war in Ukraine to evolve into a broader conflict over global resources involving Russia and Europe.
This episode of These Times analyzes the complex political landscape surrounding Ukraine, focusing on Keir Starmer's visit to Washington, Zelensky's Oval Office confrontation, and European efforts to navigate Trump's evolving foreign policy. It explores historical parallels to the Suez Crisis and Britain's relationship with Europe and the US, questioning the future of transatlantic alliances and European strategic autonomy in the face of American ambiguity.
This episode analyzes the German election results, highlighting the Christian Democrats' victory amidst rising far-right support and explores potential coalition scenarios and policy challenges, particularly concerning debt and migration. It further examines the implications of these results for Germany's defense policy, European geopolitics, and the transatlantic relationship in light of Donald Trump's influence and potential shifts in US security commitments.
This week Tom and Helen discuss the impact that peace talks with Russia might have on the United States security commitment to Europe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of These Times, Tom and Helen discuss the deep history behind Trump's latest round of tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada; how the US has used tariffs throughout history, how protectionism shifted between the Democratic and Republican parties, and what it all means for global politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Following on from the previous episode, this week, Tom and Helen expand even further on the topic of Europe and its dependance on the United States. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, Tom and Helen discuss what Donald Trump's presidency means for Europe, historically, after his revealing first week in office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, Tom and Helen delve into Joe Biden's farewell address, why he warned of a new tech oligarchy and the possible new epoch in American politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week, Tom and Helen delve into Donald Trump's open attempt to annex Greenland, retake the Panama Canal, and seduce Canada into joining the United States. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For the first episode of 2025, Tom and Helen take a deep dive into the life and worldview of the world's richest man; who is Elon Musk, what does he believe - and what does he want? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On the final episode of the year, Tom and Helen reflect on the events of 2024 and how they may effect the geopolitical future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
For our Christmas special episode Tom and Helen take a look back at the state of British politics this year and ask the question - Is British politics unravelling? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Tom and Helen return to the extraordinary situation in Syria and question whether it's really possible to have a unified Syrian state. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Following the collapse of the French government, Tom and Helen discuss the Franco-German crisis in the new age of Trump. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Economist's Defence Editor Shashank Joshi joins Tom and Helen for an early episode this week to discuss how the Assad regime fell so rapidly and what this means for Syria and the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week on the podcast Helen and Tom explore why Keir Starmer's government has come so far adrift so quickly and what this means for the future of British politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this week's episode Tom and Helen explore the recent military escalation over Ukraine and what this might mean for the current geopolitical world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Following Joe Biden's controversial decision over the weekend to authorise Ukrainian forces to fire American missiles deep into Russia itself, Tom and Helen explore what a Trump presidency means for war and peace across the world, not just in Ukraine, but in China, the Middle East and the border with Mexico... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Donald Trump won the podcast battle by appearing on the shows of right-leaning stars like Joe Rogan, Lex Fridman and Theo Von. On the other hand, Kamala Harris went on the 'Call Her Daddy' podcast. Tom is joined in the studio by James Marriott to discuss the decline of liberal dominance in the world of popular culture, from The Rest is History, to Batman the Dark Knight... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
What awaits Europe after Donald Trump's second coming? Will it mark the end of the war in Ukraine or the end of America's defence of Europe? What role does Elon Musk have to play? From the China trade war to space travel, Tom and Helen bring it all into focus... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the dust begins to settle in the US, Tom is is joined by Emily Jashinsky, host of Undercurrents, to discuss Trump's great American triumph and the existential disaster facing the Democrats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As the US goes to the polls, Tom and Helen look back at the last decades of US politics and ask why the current moment, of Trump vs Harris, feels so much more polarised than ever... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tom McTague sits down with the controversial Tory firebrand Kemi Badenoch to talk about immigration, being a black Tory politician and why she is the right person to lead the opposition... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After four weeks, Israel's anticipated revenge attack on Iran was complete. Missiles launched at Iranian missile targets from Israel threatened even more escalation. Tom and Helen dive into the details of what occurred and what the ramifications might be for the region and the wider world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
On 5 November, the American people will go to the polls in what may prove to be the most important election in modern history. From Ukraine to Taiwan, the world is watching with bated breath. Tom and Helen explore these topics in a special These Times live recording, and analyse how both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump could redefine the geopolitical fault lines shaping our world... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
With soaring deficits, immigration debates, and a flock of North Korean soldiers arriving in Ukraine to fight alongside Russia, the continent feels adrift. Tom and Helen explore who can really lead Europe out of crisis... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With Keir Starmer's approval ratings at an all-time low and the Tory leadership race staggering to an exhaustive conclusion, Tom and Helen ask why Britain's two main political parties are so useless without any apparent political strategy. Does the ghost of Margaret Thatcher have anything to do with it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
