Nine years after the Brexit vote, a new UK–EU deal promises smoother trade and deeper cooperation — but is it the end of the Brexit saga or just another chapter? Bronwen Maddox digs into what the deal really means with Rod Liddle and Nicolai von Ondarza, from political fallout to Britain’s shifting role on the world stage.

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The dissolution of the PKK could transform Turkey’s domestic politics and foreign policy

The Pandemic Agreement may weaken, rather than strengthen multilateralism

Escalating conflict in Tripoli exposes the realities of false stability – and international neglect in Libya

Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House.

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As trade tensions, security concerns, and diplomatic crossroads converge, the UK’s bid for economic growth faces hard choices on the global stage. In this episode host Bronwen Maddox explores the UK’s complex balancing act between the EU, US, and China with guests Janka Oertel and Sir Martin Donnelly.

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The UK–EU summit will bring some progress on defence cooperation. But more could be done on aid and trade

Trump’s Gulf tour exposes Netanyahu’s increasingly isolated position on Gaza

The UK government should prioritize linking carbon markets at the UK–EU summit

Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House.

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Tensions between India and Pakistan have surged following a deadly attack in Kashmir and air strikes by India inside Pakistan. With nuclear risks, regional diplomacy, and rising domestic pressures in play, what could prevent this crisis from spiralling further? 

In this episode, Bronwen Maddox discusses what this means for South Asia and the world with Marion Messmer, a senior research fellow with our International Security Programme; Chietigj Bajpaee, the senior research fellow for South Asia with our Asia-Pacific Programme; and Stephen Farrell, our head of News and Comment.

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After India’s missile strikes on Pakistan, the risk of accidental escalation is high

India–UK free trade agreement signals deepening bilateral relations

Urgent mediation to save the Indus Waters Treaty could be a route to de-escalation between India and Pakistan

Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. Executive producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House.

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As Donald Trump floats a controversial peace deal that could leave Ukraine facing territorial losses and NATO exclusion, Kyiv is forced to weigh an impossible choice between sovereignty and survival. 

Bronwen Maddox speaks with Orysia Lutsevych from Chatham House and Matthew Savill from RUSI about battlefield fatigue, shifting alliances, and the future of European security.

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Trump’s 100 days have been like no other

The Kashmir attack will renew hostilities between India and Pakistan

Merz and Macron can restart Europe’s Franco–German engine

Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House.

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Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧 

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As the IMF Spring Meetings unfold in Washington DC, Bronwen Maddox asks whether we are witnessing the twilight of the US dollar’s global dominance. Amid political shocks and shifting financial allegiances, could the world be inching towards a post-dollar era? 

Bronwen is joined by Isabelle Mateos y Lago, chief economist at BNP Paribas, and David Lubin from Chatham House’s Global Economy and Finance Programme to explore the dollar’s uncertain future, the rise of digital and alternative currencies, and what it all means for global power and stability.

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The US dollar’s role in the international monetary system is now dangerously in flux

President Trump’s tariffs increase pressure on allies to reduce security dependence on the US

How China–India relations will shape Asia and the global order

Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House.

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In this episode of Independent Thinking, we explore the root causes of corruption in Nigeria, its impact on everyday life, and potential solutions for change.

Bronwen Maddox speaks with Leena Koni Hoffmann about her in-depth report on the issue, as well as insights from speakers at a Chatham House conference focused on Nigeria’s ongoing fight against corruption.

Read our work on Nigeria:

Taking action against corruption in Nigeria

Renewing Nigeria’s anti-corruption agenda

Tackling judicial bribery and procurement fraud in Nigeria

Democracy in Nigeria

Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. Executive Producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House.

Read the Spring issue of The World Today 

Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧 

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This week on Independent Thinking, we explore the growing battle for influence in Latin America between the U.S. and China. In just two decades, China has gone from a minor player in the region to a dominant force—challenging the US.

How is President Trump’s government responding and could his policies actually give Beijing more room to expand? Guest host Chris Sabatini is joined by Yu Jie, Robert Evan Ellis, and Bruno Binetti to discuss the shifting power dynamics and what they could mean for the global balance of power.

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South Korea’s domestic tumult risks being exploited by China

US ownership of TikTok won’t protect democracies from digital threats

Trump’s tariffs will push Southeast Asia uncomfortably close to China

Presented by Chris Sabatini. Produced by Amanda Nunn. Executive Producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House.

Read the Spring issue of The World Today 

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President Trump has unveiled sweeping new trade tariffs—but what happens next? Bronwen Maddox explores the global reaction, the economic fallout, and whether this marks the beginning of the end for globalization. 

She’s joined by Jason Furman, former Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Barack Obama, alongside Dame DeAnne Julius and David Lubin from Chatham House’s Global Economy and Finance Programme.

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Trump’s ‘liberation day’ tariffs are likely just the beginning of a longer-term vision.

Putting the Digital Services Tax on the table in US negotiations sends worrying signal on UK digital sovereignty.

The false economy of DOGE.

Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. Executive Producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House.

Read the Spring issue of The World Today 

Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧 

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In this week’s episode of Independent Thinking, Bronwen Maddox discusses whether Europe can take up the mantle of the US, and lead the world as an economic and political powerhouse.

Can Europe can fill the vacuum caused by America’s shifting foreign policy, and in doing so, become more of an economic force?

Bronwen explores this topic with three Chatham House experts - Creon Butler, Director of the Global Economy and Finance Programme, Olivia O’Sullivan, Director of the UK in the World Programme, and Nicolai von Ondarza, an Associate Fellow in our Europe Programme.

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Europe must forge a new role in the global economy

China’s military build-up indicates it is serious about taking Taiwan

Competing visions of international order

Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Jonathan Coates. Executive Producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House.

Read the Spring issue of The World Today 

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This week on Independent Thinking, three Chatham House experts look at the view from China now that Donald Trump is in charge.

Ben Bland speaks to Yu Jie, William Matthews and  David Lubin, about how China is repositioning itself on the world stage, viewing its own security and preparing for a potential trade war. 

We’ll also explore what the Chinese Communist Party is really thinking, what harm tariffs are doing and what the AI battle could mean for the world.

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New US attacks on the Houthis will not bring Iran to the negotiating table – but could provoke worse violence

The US and Iran are on the road to escalation. Europe can and should create an off-ramp

Taking action against corruption in Nigeria

Presented by Ben Bland. Produced by Jonathan Coates. Executive Producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House.

Read the Spring issue of The World Today 

Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧 

Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧

Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.