The Lowdown from Nick Cohen

SummaryNick Cohen and Anne Applebaum discuss the current state of democracy in the United States and Europe, focusing on the rise of populism and identity politics, while exploring how political figures maintain support despite policy failures. They examined the systematic dismantling of American institutions under Trump's administration, including attacks on the civil service and potential weakening of military capabilities, while also discussing the emerging alliance between authoritarian states opposed to American influence. The conversation concluded with a discussion of the current state of American politics, including the narrow margins in recent elections and the need for effective opposition strategies to defend democratic values both in the U.S. and across Europe.Democracy's Challenges in Populist EraAnne and Nick talk about the current state of democracy in the United States and Europe, focusing on the rise of populism and the shift towards identity politics. Anne highlighted how political figures like Nigel Farage in the UK and Donald Trump in the US have maintained support despite policy failures, attributing it to the emotional appeal of their cultural identities. They explored the question of whether real-world issues like inflation and healthcare are now less important than online cultural battles. Andrew asked Anne about the dangers facing American democracy, to which she responded that it is indeed in danger, but the outcome is still uncertain.The UK must wake up to the MAGA reality! Anne argues that the UK should wake up to the new reality - Powerful elements at the top of the Trump White House & MAGA not only consider the so-called "special relationship" as not only over but see the UK as an enemy. Anne says, there's a very powerful strain. Inside this administration and inside the American far right who really hate Britain. And they hate Europeans and they hate the Germans. ... there's a constant narrative about how the British violate free speech and how, you know, Britain is, an extreme left country and so on."She says, " I'm not saying they dominate this administration, and you won't hear this from Marco Rubio, but there is a strain inside MAGA, which essentially reflects Russian propaganda. ... there's a piece of, of that movement that doesn't really want anything to do with Britain or Europe anymore....I would watch out for that and as I said, have a contingency plan and think about a world in which the United States is run by people who are hostile to Britain." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Cohen and Sunder Katwala engage in a detailed discussion about the rise of right-wing extremism in Britain, analysing rabid right rabble-rousers like Nigel Farage and examining how his evolving stance and ambiguous approach appeal to both mainstream voters and extreme elements. They explored the current political climate, focusing on the challenges faced by mainstream conservative parties and the need for addressing legitimate concerns about immigration while drawing clear boundaries against racist ideologies. The conversation concluded with discussions about the fragmented state of British politics, the need for a coherent centre-right party, and the challenges faced by political leaders in navigating complex social and cultural issues.Nick & Sunder discuss the rise of right-wing extremism in Britain, comparing current political figures like Nigel Farage to historical fascists. Sunder expresses concern about the right setting the agenda and the dominance of emotional arguments over factual evidence. However, he remained optimistic about the long-term progress of British society, drawing on his personal experiences of racial and cultural diversity.Sunder says "we are under policing absolute fascism and racism. Elon Musk has brought it in and what [Steve] Bannon and Trump did is they said there will be no boundary between the respectful right and the racist." Sunder says the sinister issue of so-called "re-migration" - in other words expelling ethnic minority Brits - will eventually do for the rabid right, saying, "There's immigration there's asylum. And these are tough issues in the centre left, but remotion, which is, you know, more people should leave them come in and re migration is a far right code ultimately for the people who really want to hear the word Remi.It's about, you know, Sunder Katwala shouldn't been allowed to be born here. So if he was, let's get him out.... Okay. It's not gonna happen. But about from kick out the ethnic minority." Hope can still beat hate For all its problems, and the ranting of the right, Sunder argues the UK still has a lot going for it as a tolerant and diverse society, saying ":Britain is the most Successful multi-ethnic democracy in the western world. It's a generation ahead of Western Europe." Overall, Sunder has a message of hope after a summer of far right race-baiting, demagoguery and even predictions of civil war: "It was a very sinister, silly season. We had people predicting civil war every weekend and it never quite erupting; Farage setting the asylum debate."It's felt like it's going backwards for a couple of years. We can and will reverse that...And you know, if people are making impossible promises to give us sort of fantasy politics that if you quit three more international treaties, your lives will be better. Let's make the opposite case."Read all about it!Sunder Katwala @sundersays is a director of the British Future think tank and a former general secretary of the Fabian Society. His book, How to be a patriot, is published by HarperNorthNick Cohen's @NichCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Goodbye Normal - it was nice knowing you!Nick Cohen and author & academic Yascha Mounk explore the enduring presence of populism and the challenges faced by centrists in adapting to changing political realities, discussing how assumptions about the world have evolved over the past 25 years. They examine various economic and political challenges across different countries, including Britain, Poland, and the United States, while analyzing how populists like Modi and Trump have capitalised on claims of representing the people against elites. The conversation concluded with discussions about the challenges facing American progressives and centre-left parties, emphasising the need for strategic adjustments and effective messaging to counteract populist threats and regain political credibility.Challenges of Centrism in Populism EraYascha explains the enduring presence of populism and the challenges faced by centrists in the current political landscape. Yascha highlighted how assumptions about the world, particularly those held by liberal democrats, have been swept away over the past 25 years, similar to the period after World War II. He emphasises that centrists are often out of tune with the present because they cling to outdated worldviews rather than adapting to new realities. Andrew agreed, noting that Peter Mandelson's comment about Trump being the most consequential president in living memory reflects the shift from a neoliberal to a populist order.Defending democracy and academic freedomYascha also emphasises the importance of defending democratic institutions and academic freedom against threats like Donald Trump, arguing that while some may have been willing to compromise on issues like diversity statements in the past, it is now crucial to stand firm. He criticises the tendency of some liberal professors and journalists to impose their values on society, which can backfire and drive people towards Trump-like figures.Read all about it!Yascha is Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Persuasion Substack - @JoinPersuasion - and also has his own Yascha Mounk Substack column. A man of many talents, Yascha hosts his own podcast, The Good Fight. Yascha's latest and highly acclaimed book - The Identity Trap: A Story of Ideas and Power in Our Time - is published by Penguin. A political scientist, Yascha is also Professor of Practice at the School of Advanced International Studies of John Hopkins University in the U.S.Nick Cohen's @NichCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryIn this discussion, Nick Cohen and former diplomat Arthur Snell explore the complex relationship between Donald Trump and Russia, examining evidence suggesting Trump may be serving Russian interests either knowingly or unwittingly. They analyze Christopher Steele's controversial intelligence work on Trump-Russia connections, noting that despite criticism, many of his key allegations have proven accurate according to subsequent investigations, including the Senate Intelligence Committee report. The conversation concludes by addressing concerns about Trump's deferential behaviour toward Putin, his appointment of pro-Russian officials to intelligence positions, and the implications for US-UK intelligence sharing should Trump return to power.In this discussion, Nick Cohen and former diplomat Arthur Snell explore the complex relationship between Donald Trump and Russia, examining evidence suggesting Trump may be serving Russian interests either knowingly or unwittingly. They analyse Christopher Steele's controversial intelligence work on Trump-Russia connections, noting that despite criticism, many of his key allegations have proven accurate according to subsequent investigations, including the Senate Intelligence Committee report. The conversation concludes by addressing concerns about Trump's deferential behaviour toward Putin, his appointment of pro-Russian officials to intelligence positions, and the implications for US-UK intelligence sharing should Trump return to power.Trump's Russian Connection ExaminationNick Cohen introduces a discussion on whether Donald Trump is a Russian asset, with guest Arthur Snell, a former Foreign Office diplomat. Arthur explains there's a spectrum of possibilities, from Trump being a recruited KGB/FSB asset to him being an unwitting "agent of influence" serving Russian interests. They note Trump's unusual connections to the Soviet bloc during the Cold War, including his 1987 Moscow visit and marriage to Ivana from Czechoslovakia, emphasising how rare it was for American businessmen to engage with communist countries at that time.Read all about it.Arthur Snell's substack column is Not all doom & his regular inciteful podcast is Behind the Lines. Arthur's first not fiction book is How Britain Broke the World: War, Greed and Blunders from Kosovo to Afghanistan, 1997-2022 .Nick Cohen's @NickCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Read Nick's latest column, Can Europe resist Trump's gangsterism? Does it have the willpower to try? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The death of the mainstream media has emboldened far right charlatans Nick Cohen talks to author and journalist James Bloodworth about the evolving nature of politics and media in today's digital age. James explores how traditional media institutions are losing influence while online platforms and personalities mainly of the radical and far right have become more prominent, particularly noting how successful figures leverage algorithms and controversial content to gain attention.The strange death of the mainstream mediaJames Bloodworth discusses the changing media landscape, noting that traditional media outlets like newspapers and TV networks are losing relevance, especially among younger audiences. He observes that podcasts and social media have become more influential, with figures like Joe Rogan and Andrew Tate gaining significant followings. Bloodworth explains that successful online personalities often understand algorithms and use outrageous statements to gain attention, both from supporters and critics.Victimhood is pay-dirt for online Radicalised RightJames Bloodworth says radical right figures are earning online fortunes with simple messaging, saying "You slowly learn that the nuanced articles don't get as many clicks and subscriptions, and people sending you money as the more inflammatory articles." He described figures such as Matthew Goodwin as "very obviously leaning into the white supremo types who give him money on his Substack." He adds, "I don't know how much of this stuff he actually believes, but he's willing to surf that wave because it because it seems to be making him quite a lot of money."Online far right wingers are guilty of bad faith & hypocrisy James says right wing charlatans are always banging on about free speech when it came to people jailed for inciting violence against immigrants like the wife of a Tory councillor, Lucy Connolly, while demanding the banning of pro-Palestinian protests. James adds, "I know there are people at those protests who have said anti-semitic things, and that there have been anti-semitic chants. But... there's a complete double standard. I think it's all bad faith, and I think the accusations, particularly against Keir Starmer of two-tiered justice, are completely absurd, considering he was involved in the prosecution of people following the 2011 riots."Read all about it!James Bloodworth, @J_Bloodworth, the author of The Lost Boys, A personal journey through the Manosphere published on June 5th by Atlantic Books. James's Sustack is For the Desk Drawer.Nick Cohen's regular Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond is another must-read. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Cohen talks to former Conservative MP and minister Dr Phillip Lee about the Brexit Omertà that is killing the Conservative Party. Dr Lee, now a practising GP, blames the party's spectacular demise partly on its failure to call out Nigel Garage and the Reform Party for the failure of Brexit and the dire consequences. The elephant in the roomPhillip Lee that although few people want to talk about Brexit, they are prepared to talk about the many problems either caused or exacerbated by Brexit. He says, "Look at the boats thing... when we were members of the European Union and Dublin protocols, we could turn these people around to where they'd first entered the European Union. Okay. That was what we were able to do. Now that we're outside the European Union, we can't turn these boats around once they're on the beach."He adds, "Now, how many people in this country actually realise that Brexit has made, dealing with the boats coming across the channel harder? I suspect very, very few people understand that factual point. So why isn't the Labour government saying that? Because they don't want to open up the discussion of. European Union membership being positive."Government by focus group is wrong Phillip Lee asserts that UK political parties mistakenly and all to frequently delegate their political judgment to poorly informed focus groups, saying "we rely upon focus groups from people who are often ill-informed...It is just a fact. They don't understand the complexity of trading in negotiations. They don't understand the complexity of just-in-time manufacturing, they don't understand the challenges of geopolitics or whatever. The reason in great part is not because they can't, it's because they've gotta get the kids to school. They've gotta put food on the table. They've got busy, busy lives. They're being stretched, left, right, and centre to care for elderly and everything else..." He warns, That just takes us down the path, which we are now too far down almost, of having a country that's not fit for purpose and not sustainable, not tenable. In fact, in the medium term, we have to be, we've gotta turn that around. We've gotta start to get to a situation where our democracy people are more informed."Public is being manipulated all over again on Brexit Phillip Lee argues that Nigel Farage counters the obvious failure of Brexit with the absurd claim that it just hadn't been "done right". He adds," Farage is cleverly tapping into the fact that nothing's changed. In fact, everything's got worse. But instead of people concluding it's got worse because of Brexit, he twists it as...t's not the Brexit that people voted for."Well, the Brexit that people voted for was never going to happen again. People were lied to and manipulated, and I think until a political party that's got a chance of forming a government in this country is honest with people about this straightforward, informs them of the reality." Failure to be honest with the public could lead to Reform in power Phillip Lee says failure to treat the public as adults could lead to the disaster of Farage in Number 10, saying "It's just going in the path of Reform, isn't it? ... we're going to have our Trump moment and most of us are gonna have heads in our hands about it."Read all about it!Nick Cohen's @NickCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK voting system is falling into disrepair and disreputeNick Cohen talks to the distinguished pollster and political commentator Peter Kellner @PeterKellner1 about the parlous state of British democracy and the UK's creaking and increasingly unfit-for-purpose First Past the Post voting system. Peter explains how First Past the Post (FPTP) has become problematic with increased party fragmentation and changing voter demographics. He explains how economic shifts, declining manufacturing industries, and changing education patterns have influenced class structures and voting patterns, with particular attention to how university education has impacted political loyalties. Peter and Nick examine the current state of political fragmentation and the challenges facing traditional parties like Labour and Conservatives, concluding with a discussion about potential electoral reform options and the evolving nature of British politics.British Democracy and Electoral ChallengesNick and Peter discussed the state of British democracy and the electoral system. They explored how the first-past-the-post system has become increasingly problematic with the rise of multiple political parties, leading to situations where governments can be formed with a small percentage of the overall vote.Class Structure and Political LoyaltiesPeter explaines that the decline of traditional manufacturing industries and the corresponding decrease in union membership have led to a shift in the class structure of Britain. He also noted that the strong family-based political loyalties of the past have diminished, contributing to the reduced influence of class in modern politics. Education is an important factor in political allegiance with university graduates more likely to be more liberal with a small "l", and more open, and much less likely to vote Conservative or Reform than non-graduates.Voter Motivations and Party LoyaltyPeter presents findings from a study on voter motivations, revealing that the primary reason voters support their party is that it is "better than the others," particularly for Labour and Conservative supporters. He noted that Labour and Conservative voters are more likely to give "consumer" reasons for their support, while Green and Reform voters are more likely to cite "devotee" reasons such as shared values or specific policies.Read all about it!Peter's Substack is Peter Kellner's must-read and free to access Substack column on the state of UK politics. Nick Cohen's @NickCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

SummaryThe discussion between Nick Cohen and US-based journalist and commentator Ben Cohen centres on the implications of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal for Donald Trump, including his alleged involvement with Epstein and how Trump exploited conspiracy theories like QAnon to gain political power. The conversation explored Trump's ability to control the narrative and create distractions, while examining the impact of conspiracy theories on American politics and Trump's base of supporters. Ben Cohen shared insights about Trump's declining influence among his supporters and discussed the potential political implications of unsealed files related to Trump, including the challenges of dealing with misinformation and disinformation in American politics.QAnon and the MAGA conspiracy maniaBen and Nick discuss the impact of conspiracy theories, particularly QAnon, on American politics and Trump's base. Ben estimates that about 30% of Trump's supporters leaned towards QAnon beliefs, which included the idea of a corrupt "deep state." They agreed that while conspiracy theories were not the sole reason for Trump's 2024 victory, they played a significant role in his support and were part of the justification for the assault on Congress.Misinformation in American PoliticsBen and Nick discuss the challenges of dealing with misinformation and disinformation, particularly in the context of American politics and media. Ben explained his experience writing about Candace Owens, a far-right provocateur, and the unique American phenomenon of figures like her gaining attention through sensationalism and lies. They explored the impact of such figures on public discourse and the normalisation of misinformation.Trump's Narrative Control and Media ImpactNick and Ben discuss the implications of the Epstein files, which reportedly contain damaging information about Donald Trump. They agree that Trump's ability to control the narrative and create distractions, such as the Obama-Russia conspiracy theory, has allowed him to avoid serious consequences for his actions. But the Epstein scandal is blowing up in Trump's face and may well yet doom his scandal-hit presidency.Read all about it!Read Ben's The Banter Substacks here and listen to his podcasts here.Nick Cohen's @NickCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the evidence points to Genocide in GazaNick Cohen talks to author and former Foreign Office diplomat Arthur Snell about the ongoing Middle East crisis, focusing on the devastating impact of the Hamas attack on Israel in 2023 and its consequences for the region. They explored the situation in Gaza, including concerns about potential genocide and the humanitarian crisis, as well as the implications of proposed resettlement plans and refugee outflows. The conversation also touched on the role of international actors, particularly Europe and the United States, in addressing the situation, and the unpredictable nature of Donald Trump's foreign policy regarding Israel and the Middle East.What's happening in Gaza is genocideArthur argues that Israel's actions against the Palestinian population in Gaza constitute genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention. He examines the Israeli government's intent and capability and concludes that it is to make Gaza uninhabitable for Palestinians, noting the shift in Israeli public opinion after the October attacks. Arthur emphasises the challenges Israel faces in defeating Hamas without destroying the Gaza population.International Influence on Gaza TragedyArthur and Nick discuss the ongoing tragedy in Gaza, focusing on the role of international actors, particularly Europe and the United States, in addressing the situation. Arthur emphasises that while Europe has limited influence over Israel, there are mechanisms to pressure governments committing international crimes, such as sanctions and surveillance missions by the RAF. He also highlighted the involvement of companies like BCG in planning for ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Andrew questioned Europe's power to influence the situation, noting that only the United States, under Trump, has significant leverage over Netanyahu.Read all about it.Arthur Snell's substack column is Not all doom & his regular inciteful podcast is Behind the Lines. Arthur's first not fiction book is How Britain Broke the World: War, Greed and Blunders from Kosovo to Afghanistan, 1997-2022 .Nick Cohen's @NickCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Read Nick's latest column, Can Europe resist Trump's gangsterism? Does it have the willpower to try? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Cohen & Professor Robert Wintemute discuss transgender rights and women's rights, exploring legal, medical, and societal implications of transgender issues. The conversation covered topics such as the evolving demands of the LGBTQ+ movement, challenges faced by transgender individuals in various settings, and the controversy surrounding medical treatments for gender dysphoria in minors.Transgender Rights vs. Women's Rights DebateNick talks to Robert, Professor of human rights law at King's College London, about transgender rights and women's rights. They discuss the controversy surrounding transgender issues in liberal media and academia, with Andrew noting that many people are afraid to speak out on the topic. Robert, author of Transgender Rights V. Women's Rights, provides a legal perspective on the debate, highlighting decisions against trans campaigners and the Supreme Court's ruling that trans women are not women for legal purposes.Transgender Rights and Societal TensionsRobert and Nick discuss the evolving demands of the LGBTQ+ movement, particularly focusing on the differences between LGBTQ+ and transgender rights. Robert highlights how transgender demands have shifted from seeking equal rights to requesting exemptions and changes to legal and medical systems, which he views as problematic.Transgender Rights and Social ImplicationsRobert and Nick also talk about the implications of removing sex from birth certificates and the challenges faced by transgender individuals, particularly in areas such as prisons, sports, and equal pay. Robert emphasised that while the number of transgender individuals may be small, the effects on women in specific situations can be distressing, and he highlights a case where a transgender athlete's participation raised fairness concerns.Gender Dysphoria Treatment BansRobert and Nick also tackle the controversial issue of medical treatment for gender dysphoria in minors, particularly focusing on the recent bans in Brazil and Argentina. They expressed concern about the lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness and safety of treatments like puberty blockers for young people, noting that many individuals eventually change their minds about their gender identity.Transgender Rights and Political RealitiesRobert argues that transgender rights activists need to align with political reality to avoid electing reactionary leaders like Donald Trump. He proposes a "tough love" approach for coexistence, which includes two concessions: transgender individuals should stop expecting others to validate their gender identity, and society should ensure no discrimination against individuals based on their appearance.Read all about it!Professor Wintermute is a lawyer, a trustee of @AllianceLGB and an author and co-author of books on same sex partnerships and sexual orientation and human rights. His latest book Transgender Rights vs Women's rights, From conflicts to co-existence, is now publishedNick Cohen's @NichCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Cohen and commentator Nick Tyrone discuss the rise of the radicalised right in the UK and ask why the Conservatives won't fight against the extremists in their midst and party. Instead, some Tories are have buckled to the siren voices of intolerance and extremism. They are dragging their party further to the extremes by trying to outflank Nigel Farage & Reform on the right.Right wing extremism becomes ever more extremeNick Tyrone says, "We've come so far that Farage is starting to look relatively moderate compared to some of the stuff that's even happening within the conservative party now. That's how scary things have become."Nick adds, "I have my doubts that however much money you threw at it, that a sort of a party that was sort of Rupert Lowe shaped like, was sort of that right wing could actually succeed to a huge degree in Britain. ... you could do it in a boiling frog sort of a way. I think you could get a, a government elected that on a much more moderate platform that, so that kept turning up the dial and got more and more right wing and, and if that government was producing, you know, economic growth and was eliminating some of the bigger problems they got the NHS working, they would probably be given leeway to do some fairly terrible right wing stuff."Conservatives wont defend conservatism - inevitability of Jenrick leadershipNick says, "Robert Jenrick is going to be the conservative leader unless Jenrick jumps to reform, which I don't think he will, but I can't rule that out. Yeah, it's gonna be Jenrick. And again, it's that sort of thing. Well, what do the moderates do? And the answer seems to be not very much. And just sort of go along and hope somewhere along the line everything works out. I think Jenrick could take them further to the right than reform. and what happens when that happens? I don't know. I mean, I can say, well, I don't think that'll work."Possible malevolent force could take over the UKNick Tyrone says, "I can't really emphasise enough every time I come on how completely all over the place the Tories are and what a mess they are. So in the end it's totally possible that some real malevolent force could take hold in British politics."Read all about it!Nick Tyrone is an author, activist, policy advisor and commentator and keen observer of the Tory party whose Substack column as Neoliberal Centrist Dad - nick.tyrone.substack.com - is a must read for those of us desperate for the return of sanity to our national political discourse.Nick Cohen's @NickCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Cohen and historian James Hawes discuss wide range of political topics, focusing primarily on British politics, Brexit, and the rise of right-wing populism. Discussions included the historical context and current state of the Conservative Party, the challenges faced by Labour and the SNP, and the potential long-term implications of demographic changes on political landscapes. James Hawes argues that only liberal populists can counter the threat posed by Nigel Farage and Reform.Brexit's Long-Term Consequences and FailuresJames and Nick discusses the long-term implications and failures of Brexit, highlighting how Farage and other Brexit advocates had been promoting the idea for decades. Both criticise the lack of accountability and the continued influence of Brexit supporters despite the project's evident failures. James expressed optimism for a pro-remain populist leader to challenge Brexit advocates directly, rather than relying on complex economic arguments. He also shared a conversation with a top UK insider predicting the UK's collapse by 2029 due to Keir Starmer's inability to address the mess left by the Tories & BrexitThe Tory Party pickleJames & Nick discuss the historical and current dire state of the Conservative Party, highlighting its long history of populism and sectarianism. They argue that the party's true nature is being revealed through its alignment with Farage and its anti-migrant stance, which James compares to 19th-century Tory behaviour.Farage's Rise and threat to the UKThe discussion focuses on British politics, particularly Farage's rise and the potential for a shift towards far-right governance. James argues that Farage success in England will re-energise the SNP & inevitably speed up the UK's break-up. Both express concern about the working-class appeal of Farage's populism and discuss the perception of left-wing politicians as communists by some conservatives.Demographic Shifts and Political ImplicationsThe discussion focused on demographic challenges and political implications, with Nick and James exploring how an aging population and ironically more financially secure voters are more likely to vote for Farage and his brand of nut-job populist extremism, while younger generations face difficulties accessing housing and other opportunities. James argues that a more liberal -leftist brand of populism - with policies such as I.D. cards and German-like tests for trades people - might help counter the poison and certain chaos of Farageism.Read all about it!James Hawes @jameshawes2 is a historian and author of a novel and books such as including The Shortest History of Germany and The Shortest History on EnglandNick Cohen's @NichCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Cohen talks to Lowdown regular and Guardian columnist Rafael Behr about Labour's struggle with the new international Trump disorder, its communications crisis, perceived serial bungling by Sir Keir Starmer and the party's perceived drift.Starmer struggling with Trump's betrayal of the WestIn anticipation of a possible US strike against Iran's nuclear facilities, Rafael & Nick discuss the growing decay of the so-called US-UK "special relationship". Rafael does not believe that Sir Keir Starmer grasps "the sheer enormity of what is happening." He adds "I think he's ultimately a very small "c" conservative person who thinks you can just fix things by sort of just getting through, making do mending sort of DIY around the status quo and hoping that that process will just see you through."Trump's Putin fanboys are nothing newRafael reminds Nick that the American First tradition was "very sympathetic of Hitler or, wanted to keep out of the second World War." He adds, They developed conspiracy theories that Roosevelt was really responsible for Pearl Harbour and all that kind of underworld, which never went away in America, is, is now back, is now back with Trump." Like America First, Trump's MAGA are in a world of where Putin apologists & conspiracy crackpots are now right at the heart of power in Washington.Clueless Kemi & her hapless party are all at sea Rafael has completely lost her bearings of where votable right ring thinking is current/y, and even Trump was "...not so stupid as to do the sort of Kemi Badenoch trying to out Reform Reform by being in the sort of mad slightly conspiracy theory, tinge, racist, digital silos that reform paddle around in."Keir Starmer is an analog prime minister in a digital ageRafael is convinced that Starmer doesn't have a fully worked out concept of the British economy. Labour has major communications problems and Raf is picking up murmurings among Party figures of possibly replacing him. "he would've been a great Prime minister in 1968 or 1949, " says Rafael, adding, "he's a fantastically well qualified analog prime minister!"Read all about it!Rafael's recent book Politics: A Survivor's Guide: How to stay engaged without getting enraged is published by W.F.Howes Ltd and available at Amazon and in all good bookshops.Support the show You can also read his wonderful columns in the Guardian. His X handle is @rafaelbehrNick Cohen's @NichCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Authoritarian Tactics in Western DemocraciesNick Cohen and Ben Cohen discuss the tactics of authoritarian leaders, comparing them to successful torturers who exploit vulnerabilities in Western democracies. Nick emphasises that liberal democracies often turn a blind eye to illegal immigrants due to the logistical challenges of enforcing strict immigration laws, which he argued is a weakness that authoritarian leaders like Trump exploit to consolidate power. Ben agreed with Nick's analysis. They also briefly touched on the importance of avoiding formal conversations by not reviewing questions in advance.Immigration Policy and Political PolarisationBen discusses the complex dynamics of immigration policy and its role in American politics, particularly focusing on how Trump's immigration policies and the left's response are contributing to a polarised environment. Ben argues that the left's protests against ICE raids lack strategic direction and may inadvertently play into Trump's hands by validating his claim of a national emergency. He expresses concern that this situation could serve as a dry run for Trump's potential re-election strategy in 2028, where he might use similar tactics to claim the need for extended military involvement to "save the Republic."Left's Ineffective Fascism Fight StrategyBen talks about the current political climate in the United States, focusing on the lack of hope for a free and fair election in 2028 due to insufficient reforms on the left and the resistance's inability to address political realities such as immigration. They agreed that calling the government fascist is appropriate, but the left's overuse of the term has made it meaningless. Ben expressed concern that the left's approach to fighting fascism is ineffective, as they have alienated many people by incorrectly labelling others as fascists in the past.Trump's Impact on American DemocracyBen describes the current state of American democracy under Trump's presidency, expressing concerns about the erosion of democratic norms and the potential for further authoritarian tendencies. They highlighted the lack of checks and balances, comparing the situation to historical examples of weak democracies, and warned about the dangers of a Trump victory in 2028. They also touched on the role of Trump's base, his control over the Republican Party, and the implications for the future of American democracy.Media Polarisation and Political DivideBen and Nick discuss the current state of media and politics, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by the "woke left" and the rise of authoritarianism on the right. They agreed that many journalists and politicians are prioritising audience capture and contrarianism over principles, leading to a lack of meaningful debate and criticism, especially on the right in Britain. Ben expressed concern about the direction of the country under Trump, highlighting immigration raids as a potential indicator of future authoritarian measures, and called for a unified resistance from the left.Read all about it!Read Ben's The Banter Substacks here and listen to his podcasts here.Nick Cohen's @NickCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global Political Challenges and PredictionsNick Cohen and John Sweeney discuss the current state of global politics, focusing on the challenges faced by powerful leaders like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. They highlight the recent audacious drone attacks by Ukraine on Russian strategic bomber fleets, which John Sweeney compared to calling out the "Emperor in the Kremlin with no clothes." John expresses caution about predicting the downfall of dictators, citing his past experiences with Mugabe,Putin's Downfall and Ukraine's WarJohn and Nick discuss the current situation in Russia and Ukraine, focusing on Vladimir Putin's leadership and the potential for his overthrow. Sweeney shares Owen's argument that there are 3 tests before Putin's downfall: the lack of a viable successor, a crashing economy, and a competent government.Putin's Influence on Trump John also talks about the potential influence of Putin on Trump, referencing the Steele dossier (written by former Mi6 officer Christopher Steele.) They agree that while the dossier's claims about Trump's personal behaviour could not be proven, the allegations about Putin's intervention in the 2016 US election were accurate. John highlights the importance of understanding the geopolitical implications of Ukraine's drone attack on Russia, emphasising the need for a realistic approach to global politics.Trump's Waning Influence and ChallengesJohn talks about the complex relationship between Trump and Putin, highlighting a potential compromise involving Trump's authoritarian leanings and shared worldview with Putin, despite effective sanctions against Russia that only Congress can repeal. He explained that Trump's chaotic tariff policy and proposed fiscal measures are damaging the real American economy, reducing his political capital to influence events in Ukraine. They also discuss Trump's mini-me Nigel Farage and Reform councils taking down the Ukrainian flagUkraine's War & British PoliticsJohn discusses the military situation in Ukraine, noting that while Russian drones are causing problems for Ukraine, the country's huge size means it can retreat significantly before the situation becomes catastrophic. He expressed optimism that Ukraine will win the war, citing the support from the West.Read all about it!John @johnsweeneyroar is a distinguished broadcaster and author. His latest book is Murder in the Gulag the explosive account of how Putin poisoned Alexei Navalny. Another of John's most recent must reads is best-seller on Putin, The Killer in the Kremlin, published by Headline Press.Nick Cohen's @NickCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manosphere's Political Influence DiscussedNick Cohen talks to author James Bloodworth about his new book which explores the toxic so-called "Manosphere", focusing on its origins and influence, particularly in the context of political movements like Donald Trump's campaign. James highlighted his book, "Lost Boys," which explores the manosphere's impact and is set to be released on June 5th.Origins of the Manosphere MovementJames explained the origins of the manosphere, which emerged from pickup artist communities in the early 2000s. He described how pickup artists viewed seduction as a science and gender relations as a power game, attracting both men seeking advice on social interactions and those with darker, manipulative intentions. James noted that the movement often targeted neurodivergent men and sold expensive courses based on essentialist gender ideas, leading to a culture focused on conquest and objectification of women.Pickup Culture and Online ExtremismJames discussed his experience with a pickup boot camp, describing it as expensive and objectifying, but noting that some counterintuitive advice, such as being more of a challenge rather than nice, was helpful. He explained how the pickup artist scene evolved into more political and conspiratorial rhetoric, leading to the emergence of the Incel movement and increased misogyny. James also highlighted the role of algorithms in radicalising individuals by funnelling them towards increasingly dark and political content online.Manosphere Radicals and Social InfluenceJames and Nick discussed the radicalisation process within the manosphere and how figures like Jordan Peterson can unintentionally influence their audience towards extreme right-wing views. James explained that content creators often lean into controversial topics to increase their audience and revenue, which can lead to self-radicalisation. They also touched on the phenomenon of "gamer gaze," where young men online suddenly turn against women, and the role of social media algorithms in promoting extreme content. The conversation highlighted the complex interplay between individual circumstances, cultural messages, and the influence of charismatic figures in shaping political and social views.Right-Wing Resurgence in the 2010sJames discussed the rise of right-wing movements in the 2010s, focusing on how liberal feminism and identity politics created resentment among certain groups. They explored how this resentment was harnessed by right-wing influencers and politicians, including Donald Trump and Nigel Farage, who capitalized on "loser culture" and anti-establishment sentiment. James highlighted the shift in media and journalism towards clickbait and contrarian content, which helped spread right-wing ideologies.Read all about it!James Bloodworth, @J_Bloodworth, the author of The Lost Boys, A personal journey through the Manosphere published on June 5th by Atlantic BooksNick Cohen's regular Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond is another must-read. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK Economic Stagnation AnalysisNick Cohen @NickCohen4 talks to Simon Nixon @Simon_Nixon discussed the UK's economic stagnation since 2008, highlighting the impact of financial sector reliance, austerity policies, and Brexit. They analysed Keir Starmer's recent EU trade deal, noting modest improvements but emphasising its limited impact on addressing broader economic challenges. Simon suggested that deeper EU integration could yield greater economic benefits, while Andrew questioned whether rejoining the EU would be politically feasible.Businesses Navigate Political Party ChallengesNick Cohen & Simon Nixon discuss the challenges businesses face in aligning with political parties, particularly the Conservative Party, due to its current opposition to policies beneficial for business, such as the Brexit deal and trade agreements with India. They noted that businesses may seek alternatives to advance their agendas, given the presence of multiple parties in the political landscape. Simon highlighted the economic impact of the recent National Insurance rise, which was implemented to fund social care but has been met with skepticism and uncertainty about its long-term effects on employment and inflation.Economic Policy Challenges and SolutionsSimon and Nick discussed the challenges of economic policy, particularly the reliance on low tax rates and central banks to stimulate growth. They agreed that raising taxes is necessary to reduce debt and ease pressure on central banks, as seen in both the UK and US.Economic Challenges in UK and USThe discussion focused on the economic challenges facing both the UK and the US, with Simon Nixon highlighting how Liz Truss's fiscal policies have left limited room for manoeuver before requiring tax increases or spending cuts. Nixon compared the US situation under Donald Trump, noting that while Trump's tax cuts were temporary, his administration is now pushing through a budget that would increase the deficit by $3.3 trillion over the next decade, primarily to prevent tax rates from rising.Global Economic Challenges and ReformsSimon discussed the global economic challenges facing various countries, including Britain, France, Germany, and Italy, emphasising that no country has a perfect solution. He highlighted the impact of technology, particularly AI, on employment and the need for bold administrative reforms to improve state management. Simon also touched on the Labour Party's sudden rise to power and the lack of comprehensive plans upon taking office, noting the difficulty of implementing significant reforms while in government.Read all about!Simon Nixon's Substack column Wealth of Nations is one of the best and most insightful reads on economics and finance. His latest column - Europe's Crippling Risk Aversion - is here.Nick Cohen's regular Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond is another must-read. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nick Cohen talks to Russia expert Ian GarnerNick Cohen and Dr Ian Garner discussed the impact of Vladimir Putin on global affairs and the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Ian highlighting the strict government control, lack of free speech, and severe punishments for dissent in Russia. They also discussed the economic impact of the war, the rise of fascism in Russia, and the Russian government's propaganda tactics. The conversation ended with a discussion on the political landscape in Russia, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and the cultural and historical factors that contribute to Russia's inclination towards war.Putin's Impact on Global AffairsNick Cohen introduces the podcast "The Lowdown" and welcomes guest Ian Garner, an academic authority on Russia. They discuss the impact of Vladimir Putin on global affairs and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Ian explains that despite Russia suffering an estimated 900,000 casualties in the war, the country hasn't fallen apart due to strict government control, lack of free speech, and severe punishments for dissent.Political Prisoners in Putin's RussiaIan discussed the increasing number of political prisoners in Putin's Russia, surpassing the Soviet Union's post-Stalin era. He highlighted the return of old techniques like psychiatric institutions and show trials, and the lack of a fair legal system in Russia. Ian also touched on the militarization of Russian culture, both historically and under the Putin regime, and the government's strategy of bribing people to join the military.Rise of Fascism in RussiaIan and Nick discussed the rise of fascism in Russia, tracing its roots to the late Soviet era when dissident groups emerged, including neo-Nazi and nationalist movements. They noted the disappointment of many Russians with the experience of democracy in the 1990s, which led to the rise of a nationalist, irredentist, and revanchist bloc.Russian Propaganda Tactics and ControlIan discussed the Russian government's propaganda tactics, including creating multiple narratives to shape public opinion and reality. He noted that these tactics are effective, despite being crude, and that they allow the government to maintain control and manipulate public perception. Ian also compared the current situation to the aftermath of the Soviet-Afghan war, where similar tactics were used to control public opinion.Read all about it!Dr Ian Garner @irgarner is professor of Russia, war, propaganda @ Pilecki Institute & author of Z Generation: Russia's Fascist Youth. His next book -co-authored - Russia and Modern Fascism is out August 5th.Nick Cohen's @NickCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Tories face extinction as a political forceIn the meeting, Nick Cohen and Nick Tyrone, author, activist and political commentator, discussed the potential demise of the Conservative party in the UK. They highlighted the party's ideological confusion and complacency as major factors contributing to their decline. Nick suggested that the Conservative party might be losing its way intellectually and ideologically, and that they are complacent about their situation. They also discussed the rise of the radical right in the form of Nigel Farage's Reform party and the potential impact on the Conservative party. The conversation ended with a discussion on the need for the Conservative party to offer an alternative to the Reform party and the importance of having a strong leader to lead the party forward.Tories' Leadership and Strategy CritiqueThe two Nicks discuss Kemi Badenoch's leadership and strategy for the Tories. Nick Tyrone criticised Kemi's performance, stating she was not good at politics and had a fatal flaw in her strategy. He argued that her focus on culture issues was the wrong approach, as the Tories needed to rebuild their image as competent and pro-business. Nick Tyreone also suggested that Kemi's strategy was the opposite of what the Tories needed to succeed.Conservative Party's Potential Dissolution DiscussedBoth Nicks discuss the potential for the Conservative party to dissolve into the Reform party, led by Nigel Farage, due to their shared right-wing ideologies. They argued that the Conservative party's failure to articulate a unique reason for its existence in the current political climate could lead to its demise.Farage's Departure and Reform Party's FutureThey then discuss the potential impact of Nigel Farage's departure on the Reform Party's momentum. They agreed that Farage's personality cult is crucial to the party's success, and his absence could lead to its collapse.The Tories' grisly dilemmaNick Tyrone says the Tory Party face a grisly dilemma if it decides it has blown its ill-deserved credentials for being the party of business and economic competence thanks to Brexit and Liz Truss. He explains, "If that's the case, just make, just do whatever you need to do with Farage. Make Farage the leader of the conservative party. Melt the conservative party into Reform all the conservative party and just become. Just make Reform the one like right wing vehicle in the country, because that's gonna be more electorally efficient if there's no reason to exist. And what's happening is they are being crushed on one end by the Lib Dems and crushed on the other end by Reform, and they don't appeal to either group. "Read all about it!Nick Tyrone is an author, activist, policy advisor and commentator and keen observer of the Tory party whose Substack column as Neoliberal Centrist Dad - nick.tyrone.substack.com - is a must read for those of us desperate for the return of sanity to our national political discourse.Nick Cohen's @NickCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UK's Electoral System Challenges Naomi Smith, Chief Executive of Best for Britain, discusses the challenges of the UK's first-past-the-post electoral system and its impact on political strategies. She points out that the system is no longer working effectively for the two main parties, with recent elections showing candidates winning with as little as 22-25% of the vote.This situation has led to discussions about whether major parties should try to appeal to their core supporters or attempt to win over voters from other parties. Naomi emphasises the need for a new approach to address the limitations of the current electoral system.Brexit's Impact on UK Economy and PoliticsNaomi and Nick discussed the impact of Brexit on the UK economy and the political landscape. Naomi highlighted the fragmentation of voter preferences, with people switching from Labour to Reform UK and the Greens. She noted that Labour's inability to deliver progressive economic policies was hurting their appeal. Nick criticised Nigel Farage for the economic consequences of Brexit, but Naomi points out that the media rarely questions Reform UK's policies beyond Brexit. They agreed that politicians need to lead the conversation and not just react to past elections.UK Politics: Fragmentation and ChallengesThe discussion focuses on the current state of UK politics, particularly the Conservative Party's struggles and the rise of Reform UK. Naomi says that the political landscape is fragmented, with different parties leading in various regions. She notes that Labour needs to provide a compelling vision to motivate progressive voters. The conversation also touches on the potential for a "regressive alliance" between Conservatives and Reform UK, and the need for Labour to deliver meaningful change if they win the next election.Labour's Strategy and Progressive Party RelationsThe discussion focuses on the Labour Party's current strategy and its relationship with other progressive parties. Naomi suggests that Labour is losing more votes to the Liberal Democrats, SNP, and Green Party than to Reform UK. She also mentions internal concerns within the Labour Party about the proposed Welfare Bill, which could increase poverty and break manifesto promises. The conversation then shifts to the Green Party's perspective, with Naomi stating that Green Party leaders feel Labour is arrogant and unwilling to engage in discussions about combating the far right. The Greens' decision to run more candidates in the last election is attributed to a lack of reciprocation from Labour for their previous cooperation. Naomi expressed optimism about Britain's future, emphasising the need to address issues such as stagnant wages and declining public services. Read all about it!Naomi Smith is one of the country's most incisive commentators on politics & the UK-Europe relationship. She can also be found on Bluesky . Naomi is also a seasoned podcaster, co-hosting the Quiet Riot Pod, the politics podcast with more passion, less shouting & lots of laughter. Nick Cohen's @NichCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.