The Rachman Review

Flávio Bolsonaro took a clear lead in the first round of Brazil’s presidential election, and is the favourite to assume power after a run-off against the incumbent, Lula Ignacio da Silva, later this month. Will Flávio, who is the son of imprisoned former president Jair Bolsonaro, follow his father’s playbook, by cosying up to Trump and slashing environmental regulations – or will he follow a more moderate path? Gideon speaks to Oliver Stuenkel, a professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation in Brazil and fellow with the Carnegie Endowment in Washington, to find out how a Bolsonaro victory would change Brazil. They discuss Brazil’s relations with the US, China, and its Latin American neighbours: and they examine why whoever wins the Brazilian election is unlikely to have a long honeymoon period. Clips: APT Subscribe to Gideon’s show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen. Further reading: Brazil’s Bolsonaro dynasty closes in on stunning comeback Brazil’s Bolsonaro comeback exposes Lula’s…

High-profile AI safety incidents, as well as warnings from industry figures about AI’s rapid progress, have stoked a new wave of fear about the future of humanity. Artificial intelligence systems are becoming more and more capable. Can we regulate this technology effectively – or is it too late to put the AI genie back in the bottle? Gideon speaks to Toby Ord, senior researcher at Oxford university’s AI Governance Institute, and author of ‘The Precipice: Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity.’ Clip: C-Span Subscribe to Gideon’s show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen. Further reading: Anthropic warns of ‘existential risks to humanity’ in IPO prospectus Why the AI race has its creators fearing human extinction Donald Trump praises tech bosses’ ‘self-regulation’ of AI Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design is by Samantha Giovinco and Breen Turner. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on…

More than three decades after The End of History and the Last Man made Francis Fukuyama one of the world’s best-known political thinkers, he is still correcting misconceptions about what he actually meant. In a wide-ranging conversation with host Gideon Rachman, Fukuyama revisits his original thesis and explores how resentment and the search for recognition are reshaping liberal democracy. They also discuss whether US institutions can withstand Donald Trump’s authoritarian impulses, why Fukuyama remains optimistic about American democracy, China and Russia’s quest for status, and his own intellectual journey away from neoconservatism. Cip: BBC Free links to read more on this topic: In the Realm of the Last Man — how the future disappeared from politics A German election result heard around the world A spreading war threatens Trump and MBS Supreme Court rejects Donald Trump’s restrictions on mail-in ballots for midterms Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts — please listen, rate and…

The world is experiencing a record number of conflicts, just as governments retreat from international aid and diplomacy to leave a more politically fragmented international landscape in their wake. That is the view of David Miliband, the former UK foreign secretary and president of the International Rescue Committee, in conversation with host Gideon Rachman. They discuss the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the collapse in humanitarian funding and whether middle powers can ever fill the vacuum left by the US. Clip: Al Jazeera Want more? Free links: Fragile states in Africa and Middle East hit by more than 40% cut in UK direct aid Life on the frontline against Ebola How will UK foreign policy change under Ed Miliband? Donald Trump reboots foreign aid with cash-for-data strategy Presented by Gideon Rachman. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design by Breen Turner and Sam Giovinco Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

War is raging in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan, while tensions are rising between China and Taiwan. What is driving this surge in global conflict, how should we respond and where, if anywhere, are the prospects for peace? Gideon is joined by Sir John Sawers, former head of MI6; Tom Tugendhat, the UK’s new shadow foreign secretary; and Kim Ghattas, FT contributing editor and author of Black Wave. They discuss how today’s conflicts are connected, the risk of further escalation and the importance of ending a war well. This episode is an edited recording of an event organised by FT Weekend Festival. Clip: CBS News Free links to read more on this topic: Trump envoys take Ukraine peace proposal to meeting with Putin Trump envoys hold talks with Zelenskyy in Kyiv after meeting Putin in Moscow Russia launches missile strikes against Kyiv as pause in raids ends Why the US and Iran keep escalating Lebanon warns of ‘dangerous escalation’ after Israeli strikes Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your…

US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent is calling for an “economic D-Day” for the Iranian regime while threatening secondary sanctions on countries that do business with the country. Will this be more effective than previous attempts at economic pressure? What impact will this have on US relations with China? And how will energy markets react? Sasha Polakow-Suransky, executive opinion editor, speaks with Emma Ashford, Stimson Center senior fellow and Foreign Policy columnist, about Washington’s latest Iran sanctions push dubbed Operation Economic Outcast. Clip: CBS News Join us at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday, September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London, and spend the day with FT journalists and leading voices across business, politics, economics, culture and the arts. FT podcast listeners can save 10% off tickets with the code FTPODCAST. Click on this link to find out more. Free links to read more on this topic: US launches further strikes on Iran as conflict flares up Energy price surge hits bond…

The UN is choosing a new secretary-general at a time when it’s struggling to remain relevant. Sidelined in the wars in Ukraine, Sudan and the Middle East, and facing a severe funding crisis, the organisation is under growing pressure. This week, guest host Alec Russell speaks to Thant Myint-U, a former UN official, author and the grandson of former UN secretary-general U Thant, about the challenges its new leader will face. Clip: AP Archive Free links to read more on this topic: António Guterres on the future of the UN Superpowers are discovering their limits, says UN chief The new world order? Every man for himself Wanted: a leader to rescue the UN Nuclear watchdog chief pitches ‘leaner’ UN in secretary-general bid Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts Join us at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday, September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London and spend the day with FT journalists and leading voices across business, politics, economics, culture and the arts. FT podcast listeners…

Gideon Rachman speaks to historian and author Simon Sebag Montefiore about his new book, The Cauldron: The Making of the Modern Middle East. They discuss the forces that shaped the region, from the Ottoman Empire and Ataturk to the ongoing tensions between the US, Israel and Iran. Gideon and Simon examine the region's complexities and interconnectedness and whether lessons from the past can offer a glimpse into the future. CLIP: British Pathé Join us at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday, September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London and spend the day with FT journalists and leading voices across business, politics, economics, culture and the arts. FT podcast listeners can save 10% off tickets with the code FTPODCAST. Click on this link to find out more. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Want more? Free links: Israeli settlers besiege Palestinian homes The exodus from Israel Egypt deploys jets to UAE as Iran war strains Arab alliances Far-right Israeli minister…

Gideon talks to Vali Nasr, author of Iran’s Grand Strategy and professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Johns Hopkins University, SAIS, about how the balance of power in the Middle East is changing. After six months of on-off hostilities, Nasr argues, Iran’s core aims are unchanged - ending the US threat and securing economic relief. But Iran now looks to have the upper hand and is using its leverage from controlling the Strait of Hormuz to seek ever more far-reaching concessions from the superpower. Clip: CTV Free links to read more on this topic: Will failure in Iran reshape how the US fights? Iran’s supreme leader elevates loyalists as he tightens grip Trump and the failure of the Fafo doctrine Brinkmanship in the Strait of Hormuz Israel’s campaign to make southern Lebanon ‘unliveable’ 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 Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X…

What began as outrage over a senior judge's comments has become one of the most striking youth protest movements India has seen in years. Gideon talks to Professor Mukulika Banerjee of the London School of Economics about why so many young Indians have taken to the streets, what the "cockroach movement" says about the country's economic and educational pressures, and whether it poses a genuine challenge to Narendra Modi's government. Clip: BBC Free links to read more on this topic: Abhijeet Dipke, the face of India’s victorious ‘cockroach’ protests India’s ‘Cockroach’ Gen Z has had enough India should listen to its frustrated youth Why India’s student protests are different India’s ‘cockroach’ movement halts protests after minister quits 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 Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a…

Tariffs, sanctions and chokepoints have become the weapon of choice to punish political rivals - but what happens when these fail? Gideon discusses the impact of geopolitical disputes on global trade with Edward Fishman, author of Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare. Clip: Al Jazeera Free links to read more on this topic: Trump vows to deliver ‘beating’ to Iran in retaliation for latest attack Saudi Arabia joins US strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq Ukraine, Iran and how regional wars go global Donald Trump rebuilds his tariff wall 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 Sean McGarrity. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Julianne Smith, former US ambassador to Nato about the future of the alliance. There seems to be greater transatlantic agreement on Ukraine, but tensions remain over Europe’s stance on Donald Trump’s war on Iran. So can the alliance survive without the US at the helm? Clip: ANI News Free links to read more on this topic: Nato’s carnival of Trumpian caprice Why the world trusts China more than America Ukraine’s drone swarms test Moscow air defences Nato opens its cheque books in bid to keep Trump engaged 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 Breen Turner. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Simon Kuper, FT columnist and author of World Cup Fever, about what distinguishes this World Cup from previous tournaments. What role has geopolitics played historically in the World Cup and is there any truth to some of the conspiracy theories surrounding this year's events? Clip: ITV Sport Free links to read more on this topic: Bellingham brace carries England past Norway into World Cup semi-final World Cup shows US is ‘golden market’ for football, says Major League Soccer boss How western Europe became a formidable football factory Why are China and India so bad at football? Inside the secretive Fifa committee that suspended the US red card 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 Breen Turner. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…

Marine Le Pen has run for the French presidency several times before, but her chances of winning next year look better than ever. Gideon talks to the FT's Victor Mallet about the source of her growing popularity and what a far-right government would mean for France and the EU. Clip: The Guardian Free links to read more on this topic: Le Pen revives presidential bid echoing Trump French far-right leader Marine Le Pen says she will run for president Marine Le Pen’s massive double gamble on presidency France’s crowded race to replace Emmanuel Macron 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 Simon Panayi. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The war in Iran triggered a new round of conflict between the Hizbollah militia in Lebanon and the Israeli army. More than 4,000 people have been killed and about a million displaced. Lebanon and Israel signed a peace deal in Washington at the weekend to end the fighting, but without Hizbollah’s participation, can the deal hold? Gideon puts the question to the FT's editor Roula Khalaf and Andrew England, the FT's Middle East editor. Clip: This is Beirut Free links to read more on this topic: Lebanon’s deal with Israel sparks backlash How Hizbollah’s fighters ended up in court Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrive in Doha for talks over US-Iran deal How Benjamin Netanyahu’s big moment backfired 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 Breen Turner. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on…

In this special edition of the Rachman Review, Edward Luce, the FT's Washington commentator, talks to Rahm Emanuel, former White House chief of staff for Barack Obama, about where the Democratic party has gone wrong in recent years and how to win back the confidence of middle America. This is an edited version of a discussion that took place at the recent FT Weekend Festival in New York. Free links to read more on this topic: Rahm Emanuel says Trump ‘got schooled’ by Iran in bad ceasefire deal Why young America is trending socialist Rahm Emanuel and the 2028 ‘ideas primary’ How Benjamin Netanyahu’s big moment backfired Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Gideon Rachman and Edward Luce. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Sean McGarrity. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What are the repercussions of the Iran war for American power? How will the outcome be viewed by America’s allies and the leadership in Beijing? Gideon discusses these questions with Kevin Rudd, the former prime minister of Australia, Katherine Thompson, who until recently was a senior official in the Pentagon under President Trump, and Philip Gordon, who was national security adviser to vice-president Kamala Harris. This is an edited version of a discussion that took place at the recent FT Weekend Festival in New York. News clip: Fox News Free links to read more on this topic: America’s allies look to declare independence from the US The rise and fall of US hegemony Nato chief reveals Italy allowed US planes to use bases in Iran war Trump and Xi will not determine Taiwan’s fate 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 Breen Turner. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X…

How much should we care about wars that are not in our neighbourhood? What role can countries not directly involved play in paving the way for a more peaceful world? Gideon discusses these questions with India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar, Lana Nusseibeh, minister of state for foreign affairs for the United Arab Emirates, and Finland’s foreign minister, Elina Valtonen. The discussion was recorded at the Kultaranta conference in Finland. Clip: CNN Join Gideon live on Saturday, June 20 at the FT's inaugural NYC Weekend Festival Free links to read more on this topic: Donald Trump says US will not invest in $300bn fund for Iran Brussels approaches Kremlin over potential Ukraine talks A fragile Iran peace follows a war without victors The long way back from the Iran energy shock How the US-Iran deal came together 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 Breen Turner. Follow Gideon…

Where should Britain stand in the great power struggle between the US and China? Does the special relationship with Washington mean anything anymore or do all roads lead back to Europe? Gideon discusses these questions with Ben Judah, former special adviser to deputy prime minister David Lammy. Clip: Channel 4 News Free links to read more on this topic: Donald Trump warns US will soon hit Iran ‘hard’ again Will Trump abandon Taiwan? It is time for a European Security Council Britain re-entering the EU ‘an inevitability’, says Treasury minister Putin and Trump don’t have the cards 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 Breen Turner. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is life like in the Iranian capital and is the regime ready to compromise to achieve a lasting peace? Gideon discusses the mood in Tehran and the changing political landscape in the country with the FT’s Tehran correspondent, Najmeh Bozorgmehr. Clips: AP, Reuters, Bloomberg. Free links to read more on this topic: Greek shipping tycoon Evangelos Marinakis ready to pay Strait of Hormuz transit fees One killed and dozens hurt in Iranian strike on Kuwait airport Benjamin Netanyahu faces backlash after Donald Trump call Why Iran fears a deal today means more war tomorrow Iran is beating Trump at the art of the deal 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 Breen Turner. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Sebastian Mallaby, author of The Infinity Machine, a book about the career of Demis Hassabis and his AI company, Google DeepMind. They discuss the growing backlash against AI, why people are worried, and what governments can do to mitigate the risks of the coming technological revolution. Clip: WSJ Free links to read more on this topic: OpenAI’s foundation to spend $250mn on research into AI’s impact on economy Pope’s appeal can’t change the AI race’s risky logic AI guardrails stripped from Meta and Google models in minutes How AI threatens the giants of consulting AI companies are just companies 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 Breen Turner. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis about the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on Greece as a leading shipping nation. They discuss Greece’s recovery from the financial crisis of 2015, how to achieve European strategic autonomy and the best way to bring the war in Ukraine to an end. Clip: France 24 Free links to read more on this topic: Three supertankers attempt Strait of Hormuz crossing America owes its European allies a defence roadmap Protests spread in Africa as fuel crisis deepens UAE says drone strike caused fire at nuclear plant Tipping point looms for global energy crisis 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 Breen Turner. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon Rachman speaks to James Crabtree, former head of the Asia programme at the International Institute for Strategic Studies and author of The Perimeter, about Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing, his first in a decade. What do Washington and Beijing hope to gain, and what does the trip reveal about the evolving balance of power between the world’s two leading superpowers? Free links to read more on this topic: Donald Trump’s plan to discuss Taiwan arms sales with Xi Jinping rattles Asian allies Trump is up against China’s great wall of confidence Trump’s war has given China an economic opening Trump, Xi and the bid for a ‘grand bargain’ between superpowers Trump prepares to press Xi on Iran war Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts — please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Nisha Patel. Sound design is by Breen Turner Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast.…

Gideon talks to Lloyd Austin, who served as US defence secretary under the Biden administration, about the need to adapt to new forms of warfare, accusations that he presided over a ‘woke military’ and how he headed off a nuclear threat from Russia in the early days of the Ukraine conflict. Clip: AP Free links to read more on this topic: US pauses ‘Project Freedom’ as Trump seeks way out of Hormuz impasse US warns Europe of delays to arms shipments as Iran war drains stockpiles Pentagon to pull 5,000 soldiers out of Germany in dispute over Iran war Donald Trump’s Iran war has cost $25bn, Pentagon says Our inaugural FT Weekend Festival in NYC is quickly approaching! Join John Lithgow, Orna Guralnik, Jancis Robinson and more on Saturday, June 20 at Spring Studios or online — as the FT Weekend comes to life for one unforgettable day. Register now and as a podcast listener save 10% off using our code FTPodcast— this is the Saturday you won’t want to miss it. Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your…

Gideon talks to Dmytro Kuleba, former Ukrainian foreign minister, about the current state of Russia’s war against Ukraine. What would it take to break the stalemate and how has the conflict been impacted by the US-Israeli attack on Iran? Clips: DW; Reuters Free links to read more on this topic: Vladimir Putin pares back Victory Day parade over fear of Ukrainian strikes US ambassador to Ukraine to leave over differences with Donald Trump Ukraine’s drone pilots hit Russian targets from 500km away Toxic rain falls on Russian city after refinery blaze 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 Breen Turner. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Those who do not study history may be destined to repeat it . . . and lose money. The Story of Money is a new podcast from The Financial Times exploring the past to see where the next opportunities — and disasters — may lie. Hosted by FT columnist Gillian Tett and FT Alphaville editor Robin Wigglesworth, The Story of Money explores the history of global finance through the people, ideas, events, and institutions that have shaped it. From unregulated frontier banking experiments in 19th-century America to institutionalised debt forgiveness in ancient Mesopotamia, The Story of Money traces how financial systems evolve — and why familiar patterns often repeat — offering context for everything from market cycles to emerging AI trends. Watch episode 1: They are history’s geniuses. But were they any good at investing? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon discusses why the Iran conflict is proving so difficult to end with Michael Singh and Dana Stroul of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. What are the options on the table for both sides and can America’s allies play a useful role? Clip: New York Post Free links to read more on this topic: The Iran crisis has not yet peaked Iranian tankers bypass US blockade Macron and Starmer to hold summit on plan to secure Strait of Hormuz Lufthansa cuts 20,000 flights to save fuel as prices soar 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 Breen Turner. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon discusses possible negotiated solutions to the Iran war with Suzanne Maloney of the Brookings Institution. What do Tehran's leaders want and how long can they hold out for a winning settlement that will ease the country’s economic pain? What are the stakes for Trump and the global economy? And what role, if any, can Gulf countries play in curbing the regime’s power to blight progress in the region? Clip: Fox News Free links to read more on this topic: Why time is on Iran’s side Iran is America’s Suez crisis — and just as ridiculous Iran used Chinese spy satellite to target US bases Iran faces halt to oil production within weeks if US blockade succeeds Life inside Iran’s internet blackout 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 Sean McGarrity. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on…

What is it like to negotiate with Iran and what are the key issues that need to be resolved if the war is to end? Has the war permanently reshaped the relationship between the US and Europe? Gideon talks to Baroness Catherine Ashton, who was the EU’s high representative for foreign policy from 2009 until 2014 and played a leading role in negotiations with Iran. More on this topic: Armageddon is off . . . for now US and Iran agree 2-week ceasefire that will open Strait of Hormuz Has Trump officially united Europe Trump’s threats to pull out of Nato leave alliance exposed Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Nisha Patel. Sound design is by Sean McGarrity. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has said the US military action against Iran may be coming to an end. If so, what would it have achieved and where does this leave the key question of safe passage for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz? Gideon discusses the consequences of the war for the US and its allies with Philip Gordon of the Brookings Institution. Clip: NBC News Free links to read more on this topic: Trump threatened to stop weapons for Ukraine unless Europe joined Hormuz coalition Shutting Hormuz is a template for China in Taiwan Iran could emerge from the war stronger and more dangerous UK to host coalition talks on securing Strait of Hormuz One battle after another: Netanyahu’s new security doctrine Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Sean McGarrity. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Viktor Orbán has been a thorn in the side of the EU and a favourite of Donald Trump. But his party is now behind in the polls ahead of next month’s Hungarian elections. So could this mark the end of the Orbán era? Gideon discusses this with Zsuzsanna Végh, an analyst at the German Marshall Fund. They also discuss Orbán's close relationship with Russia and hostility to Ukraine. Clip: APT Free links to read more on this topic: ECB warns Hungary’s seizure of Ukraine cash risks euro credibility Hungarian opposition groups quit to make way for Orbán challenger Kremlin backs covert campaign to keep Viktor Orbán in power The riches of Viktor Orbán’s home village How Viktor Orbán’s oligarchs reaped billions in public contracts 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 Sean McGarrity. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this…

Gideon discusses the Iran war with defence analyst Jack Watling, author of Statecraft - The New Rules of Power in a Divided World. Why did the US fail to foresee the need to protect the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route? What options are there to bring the war to a close? Clip: NYT Free links to read more on this topic: Iran vows retaliation against energy sites across Gulf after largest gasfield hit Trump ally warns US economy not strong enough to cope with Iran war Iran still seen capable of escalating attacks on Gulf’s energy Israel says it has killed Iran’s top security official Top US counterterrorism official resigns over war against Iran 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 Sean McGarrity. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing Opus Dei, a new season of Untold from the Financial Times. Host Antonia Cundy uncovers the cultural and political influence of a controversial Catholic organisation in America. Opus Dei exists to help people get closer to God, but some members say they found other agendas – and unexpected harm – entangled in that spiritual mission. The first episode of Untold: Opus Dei launches March 25. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon speaks to Sir Simon Gass, a former UK ambassador to Iran, about why the formidable destructive power of the US and Israel has failed to dislodge the Islamic regime. They discuss how long the war can continue as well as likely outcomes for the US, Iran and the Gulf region. Clip: Middle East Eye Free links to read more on this topic: Trump’s Venezuela strategy has failed in Iran Iranians rethink the price of regime change Iran official says new supreme leader is ‘fine’ despite absence from view Drones, lasers and radars: Middle East war spurs hunt for cheaper air defence Taco on Iran will come too late for Trump 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 Sean McGarrity. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon discusses the US and Israeli war against Iran with Emile Hokayem of the International Institute for Strategic Studies. What are the war aims, can they be achieved and where does this leave the future of the region and its relations with Israel? Clips: CBS; CNN Free links to read more on this topic: Gulf insurance costs soar 12-fold despite Trump guarantee Trump has no realistic plan for Iran’s future Military briefing: how Iran could wage a new ‘tanker war’ The cynical opportunities of ‘Epic Fury’ The influencers leaping to Dubai’s defence 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 Sean McGarrity. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon discusses the state of peace talks on Ukraine with Boris Johnson at a conference organised by the Yalta European Strategy group in Kyiv. The former UK prime minister offers his view of what needs to be done to bring an end to the conflict: put more pressure on Russia’s President Vladimir Putin. Otherwise, we are “setting a course for years more of conflict”. Clip: BBC Free links to read more on this topic: Volodymyr Zelenskyy says war in Ukraine at ‘beginning of the end’ European leaders express solidarity with Ukraine as US hangs back Ukraine’s economy shows grit amid lasting war damage Europe re-arms as US slows defence spending 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 Sean McGarrity. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Chrystia Freeland, former deputy prime minister of Canada, about different approaches to negotiating with the Trump administration. They also discuss the current state of the war in Ukraine, her new role as adviser to President Zelenskyy and how to pressure Russia into ending the conflict. Clip: US Department of State Free links to read more on this topic: Why Rubio failed to repair the transatlantic rift Carney’s new global order needs a huge shift in political will Russia-Ukraine talks yield ‘some progress’ on ceasefire, says Zelenskyy Europe’s path to security without the US 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 Sean McGarrity and the executive producer is Flo Phillips. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to American political scientist Stephen Walt about the phrase ‘predatory hegemon’ that he coined to describe the US administration under Donald Trump. What are the risks and benefits of this policy for the American people, and for those who formerly considered themselves staunch allies? Clip: The White House Free links to read more on this topic: A post-Trump restoration is still possible Why Maga loathes London Trump and the normalisation of deviance 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 Breen Turner and the executive producer is Flo Phillips. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew England, the FT’s Middle East editor, speaks to Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House, about Iran’s escalating crisis. Can diplomacy prevent a war between the Trump administration and Tehran? What are the prospects for reform of the increasingly unpopular Islamic regime in Iran? Clips: Channel 4 News; CBS Free links to read more on this topic: US and Iran set to meet in Oman as Middle East tensions spiral ‘The game is over’: critics of Iranian regime seize on killings to push for change Iran’s people stand to lose whether or not talks succeed Arab and Muslim powers mount last-ditch effort to avert US-Iran conflict Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Andrew England. 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, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com…

Bill Gates tells Gideon that a climate of fear has taken hold in the US business community under the Trump administration: “People are afraid to speak out about being afraid to speak out.” He discusses falling aid budgets, why philanthropy cannot replace government funding, and an ambitious new collaboration with OpenAI to improve access to healthcare in Africa. Gates also reflects on the more destabilising uses of artificial intelligence and his past association with the disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Clips: NBC4, Bill Gates Free links to read more on this topic: Bill Gates and OpenAI back $50mn AI rollout in African health clinics Tech titans lined up for Trump’s second inauguration. Now they’re even richer Bill Gates and Sergey Brin among newly released Epstein photos Bill Gates warns aid cuts risk big increase in child deaths Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon.…

Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, received a standing ovation at the World Economic Forum in Davos after warning that the global order has entered a period of “rupture”. In a post-speech interview with Gideon, Carney reflects on how globalisation went wrong — and on what can still be salvaged through deeper co-operation among countries and institutions that share common values. Interview and clips courtesy of the World Economic Forum Free links to read more on this topic: Mark Carney warns of ‘rupture’ to global order as Donald Trump rattles allies Donald Trump’s ‘wrecking ball’ set to touch down in Davos Republicans begin to push back against Donald Trump’s pursuit of Greenland America’s barbarians inside the gates Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Breen Turner and Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner and the executive producer is Flo Phillips. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X…

Gideon speaks to Finland’s president about how to resolve the stand-off between Europe and the US over Greenland. Alexander Stubb describes the dispute as the "most difficult issue he has faced since taking office", arguing that discreet “back office” diplomacy, rather than public grandstanding, is the best way forward. He also touches on Ukraine, applauding the transatlantic alliance’s achievements so far but cautioning that the Greenland row is beginning to sap momentum from efforts to advance peace talks.. Clips: DWS; BBC Free links to read more on this topic: Greenland is ground zero for Arctic ‘Great Game’ How the Greenland deployment of a few European troops enraged Donald Trump Trump’s Arctic ambitions torch the most important US asset Russia knocks out power, heating and water to Ukraine’s freezing capital 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 Breen Turner and the…

Famine, mass killings and the collapse of basic government services have pushed Sudan into what the UN now calls the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. As regional powers across the Middle East fuel the conflict by backing rival factions, civilians have largely been left to fend for themselves. Gideon speaks to Sudanese political analyst Kholood Khair and Sudan expert Alex de Waal to understand how the country reached this point — and where the country and its people go from here. Clips: Sky News; Africa News Free links to read more on this topic: There is already an answer to securing Sudan’s future US rebukes backers of Sudanese paramilitary force behind ‘horrific’ atrocities The human cost of a world without rules How the UAE-Saudi Arabia alliance ruptured Israel’s Horn of Africa gamble raises tension with Arab and Muslim rivals 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 Breen…

Now that the Trump administration has fully embraced the ‘Donroe Doctrine’ - a policy claiming the western hemisphere as a US sphere of influence - which country will be next in the line of fire? Gideon discusses this with Ian Bremmer, president of the Eurasia Group consultancy, which has just published its top risk report for 2026. Free links to read more on this topic: Venezuela and the trouble with the Donroe doctrine Greenland’s future must be decided by island and Denmark, Starmer warns Trump Donald Trump’s imperial Venezuela folly will leave America no richer The gangs, goons and guerrillas running swaths of Venezuela No, Trump is not a fascist 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 Simon Panayi 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.

Gideon and guests look back at 2025 as well as forward to the year ahead in an FT Live discussion for the Global Boardroom. Donald Trump set the tone of world politics this year from his tariff wars to his efforts to make peace in the Middle East and Ukraine, while also bombing Iran and threatening Venezuela. In a bid to make sense of the contradictions, Gideon is joined by Leslie Vinjamuri, president of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Dan Drezner, professor of international politics at the Fletcher school at Tufts university in Boston, and James Crabtree, author of an acclaimed book on Modi's India and a forthcoming book on US-China tensions in the Pacific. Clip: PBS Free links to read more on this topic: When business and democracy don’t mix The AfD’s love-in with Maga Open source could pop the AI bubble — and soon China is making trade impossible Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon.…

Donald Trump has accused South Africa of carrying out a genocide against its white population. He also says the nation does not deserve to be a member of the G20, which it hosted last month. FT Africa editor David Pilling - standing in for Gideon - puts these allegations to two South Africans, Lawson Naidoo, a civil society activist, and Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, a foreign policy expert. What is the state of race relations in the country and how are South Africans reacting to the allegations? Clip: CNN Free links to read more on this topic: South Africa arrests Kenyans working at US-run Afrikaner ‘refugee’ centre The ‘pampered princess’ accused of trafficking South Africans to Russia How South Africa’s underworld infiltrated its government South Africans question future of Black empowerment policies South Africa’s credit rating upgraded for first time in two decades Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Devid Pilling. Produced by Fiona…

Gideon talks to Jens Stoltenberg, Nato's former secretary-general, about Ukraine and Europe's strategic priorities after recent scathing criticism from US president Donald Trump over its failure to end the war: ‘They talk but they don’t produce.’ Clip: Politico Free links to read more on this topic: The White House’s rupture with the western alliance Trump pushes for ‘free economic zone’ in Donbas, says Zelenskyy Friedrich Merz offers to host Ukraine talks so deal not done ‘above Europe’s head’ Ukraine’s ‘fortress belt’ that Donald Trump wants to trade for peace Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com 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 Breen Turner and the executive producer is Flo Phillips. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Jacob Heilbrunn, editor of the National Interest, about the rows over racism, Epstein and Israel that have broken out in Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again movement. Clips: Tucker Carlson, Right wing watch, Dana Loesch Free links to read more on this topic: Marjorie Taylor Greene to resign from Congress after clash with Donald Trump Trump’s Maga coalition fractures over far-right interview Maga vs AI: Donald Trump’s Big Tech courtship risks a backlash Donald Trump’s Maga base split over handling of Jeffrey Epstein files 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 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.

Gideon talks to Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the senior Democrat on the US Senate Committee on foreign relations, about Donald Trump’s foreign policy. Can Congress stop the president from making big concessions to Russia and attempting regime change in Caracas? Clip: ABC News Free links to read more on this topic: Ukraine has no choice but to engage with US peace plan Russia pursues peace deal — on its own terms Donald Trump’s affordability problem: in charts What is Venezuela’s ‘Cartel of the Suns’? Mohammed bin Salman, the autocratic Saudi moderniser trying to escape his past Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Investors are spending billions of dollars on novel ways to extend human life through inventive treatments, therapies, and even manipulating our genes. And increasingly, it seems as though anti-ageing efforts have moved from the super rich to a mass market consumer industry. In this series, we’re covering the past, present and future of the longevity movement. We’ll be looking at where the fixation on longevity is coming from, and trying to understand the practical and ethical issues at the heart of this cutting-edge field of research. From Silicon Valley fantasies, to Singaporean health spas, to Colombian genetic clinics and beyond, the FT’s Hannah Kuchler and Michael Peel ask whether breakthroughs in science and technology can really help us live longer, and even stop us aging altogether. Free to read: US ‘wellness’ industry scents opportunity to go mainstream The quest to make young blood into a drug This season of Tech Tonic was produced by Josh Gabert-Doyon. The senior producer is Edwin Lane. Flo…