Britain Debrief with Ben Judah

What future for Ukraine in Europe?

Ahead of the EU-Ukraine summit following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, I spoke with Atlantic Council Europe Center Distinguished Fellow Gérard Araud on the relationship between the EU and Ukraine for a special Debrief.

What role will there be for the European Political Community in Ukraine's plan to join the European Union? How would existing EU policies, particularly those in agriculture, be impacted by Ukraine's accession? Can we expect Ukraine's accession to the EU anytime soon? Who is opposed to Ukraine's accession?

How grave is Britain's stagnation?

As Britain faces a historical rupture from its historical trend with flatlining productivity growth, I spoke with Professor Adam Tooze, Director of the European Institute and Kathryn and Shelby Cullom Davis Professor of History at Columbia University on how this crisis looks from a historical perspective.

Why does the economic data suggest this is more serious than previous moments of feared decline? How does this stagnation compare to previous instances in the 1930s and 1970s? What impact has Brexit had on this trend? Would a Labour government under Keir Starmer be able to turn this around?

How does the Western price cap on oil work? 

As the G7 and European Union implement their new restrictions on Russian oil and gas exports, I spoke with Eddie Fishman, Senior Policy Scholar at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University for #BritainDebrief, to discuss the price cap.

Has the price cap already had an impact on Russian oil exports at this early stage? Is the price cap a new tool of economic statecraft? And can the price cap be used in a way to accelerate ongoing efforts to improve renewable energy infrastructure?

How do historians view the long road to war in Ukraine? 

As Russian state channels claim that Vladimir Putin’s invasion is meant to right historical wrongs from the end of the Cold War, I spoke with Dr. Mary Elise Sarotte, Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Distinguished Professor of Historical Studies at Johns Hopkins University SAIS, about the historical turning points that led to the war in Ukraine.

How did decisions in Moscow close down alternatives to NATO expansion? What consequences did the alliance’s expansion have on European security? Why has Ukraine become such a flashpoint?

Is Britain's government broken?

As Liz Truss's new government continues to struggle with economic policy and sinking poll numbers, I spoke to Gabriel Pogrund, Whitehall Editor at the Sunday Times, on how Britain got to this point.'

Why did Liz Truss insist on maintaining unpopular economic policies despite rising popular resentment? Is Labour benefitting from the fall in popularity of Truss's government? Does Truss retain support among the Conservative party base?

What was the Queen’s diplomacy?

As the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II draws to a close, I spoke with Professor Philip Murphy, Director of History and Policy at the Institute for Historical Research, to discuss the legacy she leaves behind.

What role did the Queen play in the end of the British Empire? How did the Queen's involvement shape the Commonwealth of Nations? What can we expect from King Charles III and his relationship with the Commonwealth?

What did Gorbachev believe? 

Following Gorbachev's passing, I spoke with Vladislav Zubok, Professor of International History at LSE and author of Collapse, on how Gorbachev saw Lenin, Europe and Ukraine.

Did Gorbachev look to Lenin for inspiration? Was the Soviet collapse inevitable because Gorbachev was simply too naïve about economic management? What did Gorbachev feel about Ukraine and Putin’s foreign policy towards Kyiv?

What are the origins of Europe’s energy crisis?

As concerns continue to grow over Europe's capacity to endure a winter with less Russian natural gas, I spoke with Dr. Helen Thompson, Professor of Political Economy at Cambridge University, on Europe’s energy, climate and geopolitical reckoning.

What are the historical origins of Europe’s predicament? Is the current crisis only caused by war in Ukraine? Why have Western Europe politicians become more "energy illiterate" when describing policy objectives? Is this a geopolitical and climate-related reckoning for Europe, in addition to it being an energy security-related reckoning?

What future for the Scottish Lib Dems?

As Nicola Sturgeon recently declared her intention to hold a second independence referendum without Westminster's consent, I spoke with Alex Cole-Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, to discuss the future of the union.

Can the Scottish Lib Dems benefit from the recent wins that their English counterparts have had lately? How will the Scottish Lib Dems tailor their electoral strategy under a Truss premiership?

What future for Hong Kong?

As the 25th anniversary of the handover of Hong Kong is marked by the ascension of John Lee to the position of Chief Executive, I interviewed Nathan Law, a Hong Kong democracy activist currently in exile in London.

Was the current repression in Hong Kong inevitable under the Chinese Communist Party, or under Xi? How have Britain and the United States aid in the plight of Hong Kong against this repression? How has the UK’s visa offer to the majority of the population benefited Hong Kongers' attempts to flee the territory?