In this episode of "Mid Atlantic," we explore the world of UK politics through the eyes of Steve O'Neill. Steve, a seasoned political strategist with a background in education and international policy, shares his journey from the British civil service to his involvement in political strategy with the Liberal Democrats, and his eventual shift to the Labour Party. The discussion delves into the dynamics of British politics during critical times like the end of New Labour in 2010, the coalition government, and the post-2015 election challenges faced by the Lib Dems. Steve also discusses his time in New York, including a stint with the United Nations, and his work on the "No Man's Land" podcast, offering a perspective on political division and the quest for unity.

1. On Political Awakening: "I wasn't really interested in politics until I was 23, 24 years old. A lot of what I learned about policy and politics was from my day job in the civil service."
2. On Coalition Compromises: "I thought a lot of the big ideas happened in politics. This led me to sympathize with the Lib Dems, particularly their stance during the coalition government."
3. On Shifting Allegiances: "The world felt politically different around the Brexit referendum. That's when I realized no more fence-sitting – it was time to support a more progressive party."
4. On Political Identity: "I'd probably describe myself as centre-left now, aligning more with the Blair-Brown era of politics, having moved away from my earlier centrist views."

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Roifield Brown invites Canadian political pundits Laura Babcock and Adam Schaan to dissect the shifting dynamics of Canadian politics. As they delve into the complexities of Trudeau's leadership, the rise of Pierre Poilievre, and the influence of U.S. politics, the conversation illuminates the pressing issues shaping Canada's future.

From the climate of political discourse to the impact of housing and immigration policies, this episode offers a deep dive into the heart of Canada's political climate as it stands on the brink of significant change.

• A deep dive into Canadian political attitudes and the public's perception of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
• Analysis of Pierre Poilievre's rise in Canadian politics and his potential impact on the country's future.
• Discussion on Canada's housing crisis and its political ramifications.
• Exploration of Canada-U.S. relations and their influence on Canadian politics, especially considering potential changes in U.S. leadership.
• Insights into the role of social media and communication strategies in contemporary Canadian politics.
• Predictions for the future of the Canadian political landscape and the potential outcomes of upcoming elections.

1. Laura Babcock: "Canada has been going through a really deep affordability and housing crisis like nothing else that we've ever seen. Despite doing well compared to other G7 nations, we are completely not feeling it on the ground."
2. Adam Schaan: "Pierre Poilievre's rise is significant. He's been a member of parliament for nearly two decades and is now seen as sharp, competent, and a potential prime minister. His approach, blending traditional politics with savvy social media strategies, marks a new era in Canadian politics."
3. Laura Babcock: "What's important is for people who say, 'Yeah, that's just Trump. That's just his BS.' He has had a very intelligent and deep and sophisticated and widespread machine behind him the last two years that has been organising how to, in fact, bring in all loyalists, how to take apart the justice system."
4. Adam Schaan: "Canadians recognise how important immigration is and are in support of it, both on a moral basis as a multicultural society and also due to the economic necessity to bring in people to fill in shortages in the labor force and to counteract an aging population."

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Guests include political strategist Michael Donohue, commentator Cory Bernard, analyst Zee Cohen Sanchez, and poll expert Logan Phillips.

• Introduction to the Iowa caucuses as a critical milestone in the 2024 election cycle.
• Discussion on Trump's surprising victory, securing a record 51% of the vote, and the tight race for second place.
• Analysis of Trump's enduring popularity and the implications for rivals like Haley and DeSantis.
• Exploration of the Republican field's strategic shifts and challenges.

• An in-depth look at the controversial Rwanda bill, championed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
• Examination of the bill's journey through the House of Commons and the impending challenges in the House of Lords.
• Insights into the internal divisions within the Conservative party and the bill's global implications.
• Perspectives from notable political figures including former Home Secretary Suella Braverman and immigration minister Robert Jenrick.

• Reflections on the future of the Republican Party post-Trump, exploring potential shifts and the emergence of new political figures.
• Final thoughts on the evolving political landscapes in the US and the UK, and their broader implications.

• Catch Logan Phillips (@loganr2wh) discussing the impact of trials on the general election on Politico.
• Follow Mike Donahue (@MichaelADonahue).
• Join Corey Bernard (@168polymath) as he navigates through political academia and current events.

Cory Bernard:

• "I don't think that much. I think it was, I think it was overhyped..." - Cory Bernard, commenting on the perceived threat to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's position regarding the Rwanda bill.

Z Cohen Sanchez:

• "100 percent in that, this has been a question on everybody's mind for the last four years, essentially, right?" - Z Cohen Sanchez, discussing the enduring support for Trump despite various controversies.

Michael Donohue:

• "Crazy stupid, cruel. And I understand politically why Richie's doing it. But to me, I think he's preaching to the choir of his base." - Michael Donohue, providing his perspective on the motivations behind Rishi Sunak's Rwanda bill.

Logan Phillips:

• "You have, in particular, a lot of white voters that don't have a college degree that had been moving away from Democrats but just accelerated a lot towards Trump..." - Logan Phillips, analyzing voter demographic shifts and their impact on the Republican Party's dynamics.

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Guest: Pyotr Kurzin, Global Gambit podcast

1. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the Middle East: The episode begins with a discussion about the significance of the ICJ in 2024, particularly its role in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The conversation delves into the complexities of the court's decisions and their global impact.
2. Russia-Ukraine Conflict: The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, including the possibility of Ukraine's partition, is analyzed. The discussion covers the international response and the conflict's broader geopolitical implications.
3. China's Economic Slowdown and Taiwan Tensions: The episode explores China's economic challenges and the escalating tensions with Taiwan, especially in light of Taiwan's new presidential election.
4. Horn of Africa - Ethiopia and Somaliland Treaty: The focus shifts to the Horn of Africa, examining the significance of the recent treaty between Ethiopia and Somaliland and its potential to reshape regional stability.

1. On the ICJ and Middle East: "The ICJ's decisions in 2024 could significantly reshape the Middle East, not just legally but also in terms of international perception and alliances." - Pyotr Kurzin
2. Regarding Russia-Ukraine Conflict: "This conflict isn’t just a regional issue; it's a global inflection point with far-reaching consequences that we’re only beginning to understand." - Pyotr Kurzin
3. On China and Taiwan: "The tension between China and Taiwan is more than a regional standoff; it’s a litmus test for global superpower diplomacy in the modern era." - Roifield Brown
4. Discussing the Horn of Africa: "The Ethiopia-Somaliland treaty is not just about regional politics; it’s about redrawing the strategic map of the Horn of Africa." - Pyotr Kurzin

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Roifield Brown, broadcasting from Birmingham, delves into the intricate world of American politics. With the help of political pollster Logan Phillips, the discussion centers around the recent Iowa caucus results and their implications for the Republican presidential race. The episode examines Donald Trump's significant lead over rivals Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley, despite his minimal campaigning efforts in Iowa. This leads to a broader debate on the efficacy and democratic nature of the U.S. primary system, questioning whether it's time for a revamp. Special attention is given to Nikki Haley's surging popularity, especially following Chris Christie's exit from the race. The episode also explores the potential impacts of the primary system on American democracy, considering the risk of political extremism and the need for more focused candidate selection.

1. Roifield Brown: "It's like a complex chess game where every move redefines the board. The primary system, with its obscene spending and often irrelevant maneuvers, begs the question: Is it time for a rethink?"
2. Logan Phillips: "With Trump's looming presence over Iowa, it challenges the state's traditional role in shaping the presidential race. It's not about whether he'll win Iowa; it's about how much he'll win by."
3. Logan Phillips on Nikki Haley: "Haley's rise in New Hampshire, now over 30% in polls, is not just a surge but a strategic consolidation of anti-Trump sentiment. Her challenge is winning over the key demographic still open to Trump, a task that requires more than just being the establishment choice."

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The episode delves into two major topics: the escalating U.S. migrant crisis under the Biden administration and the UK Post Office Horizon scandal.

1. U.S. Migrant Crisis: The discussion begins with an exploration of the U.S. migrant crisis, noting a significant increase in unauthorized border crossings and the challenges this poses to federal resources and policies. The conversation touches on the varied responses from the government, from expanding deportations to increasing work permit access. Critics from both sides of the political spectrum, Republicans and immigration advocates, are mentioned for their differing views on the administration's approach. The panel also discusses the broader impact of the crisis beyond border areas, particularly in cities like New York, which has seen a substantial influx of migrants. The financial and societal impacts of this influx are explored, along with the political ramifications for the Biden administration.
2. UK Post Office Horizon Scandal: The second part of the podcast shifts focus to the UK Post Office Horizon scandal, a saga involving the wrongful conviction of numerous sub-postmasters due to a faulty software system. The panel discusses the system's introduction, the early warnings that were ignored, and the prolonged struggle for recognition of the issue. The scandal's implications extend to the UK government and Fujitsu, highlighting issues of privatization and lack of oversight. The conversation also covers the media's role in bringing attention to the scandal, the government's response, and broader questions about privatization of public services.
3. 
   

1. Michael Donoghue: Discussing the U.S. migrant crisis, Michael states, "It's an unavoidable reality at this point. And I think that's why the tide is finally turned on this problem."
2. Jarett Kobeck: On the need for a paradigm shift in U.S. immigration policy, Jared remarks, "The right wing always has a luxury that the center and the center left and the far left don't necessarily have, which is the default position is always just smash it."
3. Tonye Alltrade: Speaking about the UK Post Office scandal, Tanya notes, "We seem to have a cacophony of toxic and secretive organizations who are in bed with the media, who are also, who then are in bed with the government or politicians."
4. Steve O'Neill: Reflecting on the political fallout of the Post Office scandal, Steve observes, "No one trusts politicians, no one trusts the kind of political sphere in the state, and this is a great example of why."

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1. Michelle Washington: Founder of The Curious Story Lab, discussing the lack of design museums and cultural spaces for diverse design works, and addressing the issues surrounding black maternal health.
2. John Horgan: Science journalist and author of "The End of War", sharing insights on the war between Israel and Hamas, and the concerning rise of artificial intelligence in warfare.
3. Ian Dale: Broadcaster from LBC Radio, offering his perspective on the Israel-Gaza conflict and its profound emotional impact, as well as discussing international affairs and elections.
4. Keir Paterson: Australian activist and politician, reflecting on his time in Laos and the contrast between the Lao people's peaceful resilience and the ongoing global conflicts.
5. Francine Hardaway: Tech investor and entrepreneur, sharing her personal and emotional response to the war between Israel and Hamas and the emergence of anti-Semitism.
6. Roifield Brown: The host himself, sharing his personal story and insights on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the complexity and historic roots of the issue.

The episode is a special edition focusing on a reflective look back at the year 2023. It features a diverse group of guests, each bringing their unique perspectives on various global issues. The topics range from cultural discussions about design and black maternal health to more politically charged issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the role of AI in warfare, and global peace. The episode stands out for its deep, personal reflections by each guest, offering a multifaceted view of the year's significant events and their broader implications. The host, Roy Phil Brown, ties these narratives together with his insights, concluding with a message of peace and reconciliation.

1. Michelle Washington: "When people think of design, they tend to think of fashion design, interior design, and architecture. Where are the spaces, cultural spaces, that a person who is a maker, then is a maker of objects, can be exhibited in a gallery space? Why don't we have enough of that around?"
2. John Horgan: "Artificial intelligence is being used on the battlefield in Ukraine and in the Middle East in ways that are really disturbing. Nations around the world, especially the U.S., China, and Russia, are developing AI, and that's worrisome."
3. Ian Dale: "To hear the desperation in my Jewish callers' voices as they coped with the fallout of the Israel-Gaza War, and the utter desperation in the voices of many of my Muslim listeners... It's getting to me in a way that maybe other conflicts haven’t."
4. Keir Paterson: "The remarkable thing about the Lao people is they don't seem to harbor any resentment or rage. They're not seeking retribution. And it has led me to think about the conflicts where people are being killed indiscriminately for reasons of either revenge or to achieve political aims."
5. Francine Hardaway: "The incident that has affected me the most this year is the war between Israel and Gaza. As a Jew who has not paid much attention to being a Jew, I have now had to deal, for the first time in my life, with ever-present anti-Semitism around me."
6. Roifield Brown: "The only way that the state of Israel will have peace is when Palestinian people have an equitable state. The Israelis have a right to exist, however, that is not at the expense of the Palestinian people."

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The podcast features a diverse panel discussing the year's most resonant events. Denise Hamilton from Houston, Cory Bernard from Manchester, Tonye Altrade from London, and Zee Cohen Sanchez from Nevada explore various topics including the Maui wildfires, King Charles III's coronation, the 'Keith Lee Effect', and the Titan Submersible tragedy.

• Zee Cohen Sanchez discusses the devastating wildfires in Maui, highlighting their unexpectedness in a place not typically prone to such disasters. The conversation delves into the broader context of climate change, the political divide over its acknowledgment, and its profound impact on communities, both in terms of displacement and the predatory nature of the real estate market following the disaster.

• Cora Bernard speaks on the historic coronation of King Charles III, touching on its significance for the British monarchy and its symbolic value. The panel debates the cost of the ceremony against the backdrop of economic crisis and austerity in the UK, with differing views on the role and relevance of the monarchy in modern society.

• Denise Hamilton brings up the 'Keith Lee Effect,' named after Keith Lee, a former MMA fighter turned TikTok sensation known for boosting struggling restaurants with his reviews. His story is used as a lens to discuss the power of social media in creating positive change and supporting small businesses, particularly minority-owned establishments.

• Tanya Altrade addresses the Titan Submersible's implosion, which occurred during an expedition to the Titanic wreckage. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of ignoring safety protocols and industry standards, with parallels drawn to the broader themes of corporate hubris and the dangers of unchecked ambition.

1. "What was most devastating about the Maui wildfires was not just the severity, but the aftermath – the displacement of working and lower-class people and the predatory real estate market." – Zee Cohen Sanchez
2. "The climate crisis is a tangible reality, not a political debate. It's time for action, not denial." – Denise Hamilton
3. "Keith Lee's social media influence exemplifies how we can use our platforms to bring positive change and support small businesses." – Tonye Altrade
4. "The Titan Submersible disaster highlights the dangers of corporate recklessness and the importance of adhering to safety and regulatory standards." – Cory Bernard

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We shift our focus to the complex political and economic climate of the United States. Hosted by Roy Phil Brown from Birmingham, the episode features a distinguished panel of guests - Z. Cohen Sanchez from Arizona, Logan Phillips from Washington, D.C., Denise Hamilton from Houston, Texas, and Aram Fischer from the Bay Area. Also we explore the significant decision by the Colorado Supreme Court to bar former President Donald Trump from the state's Republican primary ballot. This decision, hinging on a constitutional clause related to insurrection or rebellion, has sparked a nationwide debate about the legal and political implications for Trump's future campaigns.

1. Colorado's Exclusion of Trump from Primary Ballot: Delve into the implications and potential outcomes of this unprecedented move in Colorado, and its broader impact on Trump's political future.
2. Biden's Under-the-Radar Economic Achievements: Explore the paradox of substantial economic progress under the Biden administration, despite a lack of public awareness or confidence in these achievements.
3. Navigating Public Perception and the Economy: Analyze the disparity between statistical economic growth and the public's perception of personal financial health, particularly in the context of housing costs and inflation.
4. Political Strategy for the 2024 Economic Debate: Discuss the necessary shifts in communication strategy for the Democrats to effectively convey their economic successes to the voters.
5. The Challenge of Messaging in Today’s Political Climate: Examine the difficulties faced by the Democrats in communicating their achievements and the potential need for a change in tactics.
6. The Role of Fear Tactics in Political Messaging: A critical look at the use of fear tactics in political messaging, particularly in the context of the Republican party.
7. Colorado Supreme Court Ruling: Analyzing the specifics of the ruling that excludes Trump from Colorado's Republican primary ballot and its legal foundations.
8. Impact on Trump's Political Future: Delving into how this ruling could affect Trump's chances in the general election and its potential to set a precedent in other states.
9. Reaction from Biden and Democrats: Discussing why there has been a muted response from President Biden and other leading Democrats to this decision.
10. Public and Republican Perception: Examining how this ruling might influence Republican voters’ perceptions of Trump and its potential to boost his image as an ‘underdog’.
11. Supreme Court's Potential Involvement: Exploring the likelihood and implications of this case being escalated to the U.S. Supreme Court.
12. Broader Political Implications: Debating the broader implications of this ruling on American democracy, the sanctity of elections, and the Republican party's future.

"Clearly the stats are in Biden's favour, but that doesn't mean that's going to resonate with working-class families."

"Even though we've seen some growth in the economy, Americans aren't doing as well relative to their paychecks."

"People are paying too much for eggs, and they're paying more for childcare than they are for their mortgage."

"All this [Colorado ruling] has done is honestly given Trump an early Christmas gift."

"We're completely unmoored. And we're trying to figure out what we're going to re-anchor to."

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Guest: John Horgan, Author of "The End of War"

John Horgan, author of "The End of War." Horgan, a seasoned American writer, challenges conventional perceptions of conflict, arguing that war is not a preordained part of human existence but rather a solvable scientific problem. The discussion traverses various dimensions of war, including its biological, historical, and psychological aspects. Horgan presents a compelling case for the human inclination towards peace, likening the eradication of war to curing cancer. The conversation also reflects on the impact of recent global conflicts and political shifts, questioning the inevitability and justification of war in modern times.

1. John Horgan: "War keeps happening. And I feel that people need more than ever to realize how terrible war is and to realize also that if we have the collective will to get rid of war, to get beyond this period of militarism, we can do it."
2. John Horgan: "War turns us into monsters... War is something that we do, we inflict on each other, and therefore we can stop it."
3. John Horgan: "Violence generally is impractical... Nonviolence is more successful, produces better outcomes than violent rebellions."

War as a Scientific Problem: Horgan discusses his approach to understanding war through scientific methods, suggesting that war, unlike natural phenomena like cancer, is a human creation and thus can be resolved by human effort.

Human Nature and War: The discussion touches on the idea that humans are naturally inclined towards both peace and violence, challenging the notion that war is an inevitable part of human existence.

Recent Global Conflicts: The conversation acknowledges the ongoing conflicts worldwide, including in Ukraine, Israel-Palestine, and Ethiopia, and reflects on how these events have impacted Horgan's views since writing his book.

Democracy and Peace: The podcast delves into the concept of democratic peace theory, which suggests that democracies are less likely to go to war, especially with each other, and the contradictions in this theory as observed in recent history.

War and Its Moral Implications: A significant part of the discussion focuses on the moral aspects of war, especially the impact on civilians and children, and the ethical issues surrounding the use of violence in political conflicts.

Economics and Militarism: The conversation explores the relationship between economic factors, resource distribution, and the perpetuation of war, with particular attention to the role of capitalism and economic inequality in fostering conflicts.

Nonviolent Resistance and Social Change: Horgan advocates for nonviolent methods as more effective for achieving political and social goals, citing historical examples and research findings.

Role of Education and Raising Awareness: The importance of education in shaping perspectives on war and peace is emphasized, with Horgan discussing his role as an educator in challenging and broadening his students' views on these topics.

Hope for the Future: Despite the challenges and setbacks, the discussion concludes with a message of hope, emphasizing the potential for positive change and the importance of striving towards a more peaceful and just world.

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