Geopolitics

China needs to pick a side, and it just might pick the West

— Russia’s frustration with China’s limited support for its Ukraine war led to a North Korean peace treaty aimed at pressuring Beijing. Meanwhile, Western criticism of China’s role intensifies, urging it to reconsider its alignment.

Analysis

Retirement as we know it is ending – It’s time to rethink the idea of working age

— Retirement ages are rising, yet the OECD’s working age definition (15-64) remains unchanged despite shifts in job markets and longevity. Alternative metrics like functional or cognitive age may offer better insights into workforce contributions.

Social Media

Southport riots: Why social media’s role in unrest is overblown

— Riots erupted after three young girls were fatally stabbed in Southport, with far-right extremists clashing with police and targeting a mosque. Misinformation online fuelled tensions, but social media’s role in inciting violence is debated.

AI

Philosophy is crucial in the age of AI

— OpenAI predicts “superintelligent” AI within this decade and is seeking top talent to ensure it aligns with human values. Philosophy has shaped AI from its origins and remains crucial for addressing future ethical and consciousness questions.

2024 US Presidential Election

A Trump-Vance White House could undermine European security – and end up pushing Russia and China closer

— Donald Trump’s pick of Ohio Senator J.D. Vance as running mate could shift US focus from Europe to China, sparking European fears of diminished American support. Vance’s stance might weaken transatlantic security ties.

UK Immigration Policy

Labour promised to scrap the Rwanda policy. But its new approach aims to be just as tough on asylum seekers

— Labour’s new migration policy focuses on border security and reducing asylum claims by targeting criminal gangs. They have scrapped the Tories’ Rwanda plan, aiming to deter migration with international aid and tougher enforcement, yet face criticism for potentially dehumanising asylum seekers.

Environment

Why Westminster’s new backbench MPs may unlock progress on climate change

— Climate policy differences between Labour and Conservative MPs reveal Labour’s pro-climate stance. The new Labour government swiftly removed windfarm restrictions. However, Labour faces challenges in implementing its climate plans, including opposition from rural MPs and unions.

2024 US Presidential Election

Trump’s raised fist – A loaded gesture

— Donald Trump’s raised fist after Saturday’s assassination attempt was a gesture of defiance. This gesture, which happens to be his favourite, has been used historically by fascists, socialists, communists, Black Power advocates, and sportspeople.

2024 General Election

Election 2024 polls were wide of the mark on Labour’s margin of victory – this is what may have happened

— The 2024 UK election campaign was heavily focused on polls, revealing a mix of accurate and inaccurate predictions. While Labour’s lead was often overestimated, varying accuracy among pollsters highlighted challenges in achieving representative samples.

Westminster

What a House of Commons with fewer privately educated MPs could mean for the UK

— The UK parliament is becoming more diverse, with more women, ethnic minorities, and state-educated MPs. Despite progress, significant gaps remain in representing working-class backgrounds and educational diversity, which is crucial for truly reflecting society.

Podcasts

French and British politics experts discuss what their election results mean for the right

— Keir Starmer’s landslide win as British PM ended 14 years of Conservative rule, while a left-wing coalition triumphed in France. A political shift that highlights growing left-wing influence in Europe.

2024 French Elections

French election: It’s impossible to know what sort of government might emerge from the current state of chaos

— Emmanuel Macron’s early elections led to a fragmented parliament, ushering in political instability and potential constitutional reforms. The runoff vote has resulted in an unrecognisable national assembly and nobody knows what happens next.

2024 General Election

Why Labour should worry this election will be more like 2001 than 1997

— Labour fears a low voter turnout may jeopardise their anticipated landslide victory. Historical data, particularly from 2001, shows turnout significantly impacts election outcomes. Many voters are undecided or complacent, threatening Labour’s confidence.

2024 General Election

What are the Conservatives really saying when they say ‘don’t surrender’ to the Labour Party?

— What does it mean to talk of “fighting” and “surrender” in a democratic election? The use of these words by Rishi Sunak calls the democratic process into question.

Sewage Crisis

Renationalising water could fix sewage crisis – but no major party will do it

— Privatised water companies discharged raw sewage into UK waters for 3.6 million hours in 2023. Politicians promise reform, but current plans lack detail. The public demands cleaner water and stricter regulation.

2024 General Election

There was a telling difference between Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer’s use of pronouns in the final election debate

— Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer’s final debate highlighted their contrasting language styles. Sunak emphasised “I” and “me,” while Starmer balanced personal and collective pronouns, showcasing differing leadership approaches.