Pragmat Podcast

In this episode, we explore Donald Trump’s historic bid for a second term in 2025, despite facing multiple criminal cases and convictions. Ivan Ampiah delves into the Republican Party’s new strategy of challenging mail-in voting laws in battleground states like Nevada. We break down how this approach could shape the upcoming election and analyse the broader implications for U.S. electoral politics. Tune in to understand the intersection of legal battles, voter laws, and Trump’s path back to the White House.

In this episode, Mariana Garduno delves into the world of Foreign Policy Analysis (FPA), a field that challenges traditional International Relations by focusing on the human factors behind state decisions. We explore how FPA integrates insights from psychology, sociology, and history to understand the role of individual decision-makers in shaping the global order. From cognitive processes to cultural influences, this episode uncovers why FPA offers a unique and interdisciplinary lens for analysing foreign policy. Tune in to discover how FPA connects theory with the realities of international relations.

Join Kiran Thomas as we explore the complex world of carbon markets, examining how the UK and China are using cap-and-trade systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. From the intricacies of compliance and voluntary markets to the challenges of balancing economic growth with environmental protection, this episode breaks down how these systems work and what they mean for the future of climate action. Can carbon markets truly help us tackle climate change, or do they risk falling short? Tune in to find out.

In this episode, Christopher Lorde explores the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 and its potential to reshape America’s civil service. We dive into the project's controversial training videos, which outline plans to dismantle federal agencies and replace non-partisan employees with loyalists. Despite Trump's attempts to distance himself from the initiative, his campaign and policies are deeply intertwined with Project 2025. Join us as we unravel the connections between Trump, the conservative movement, and this far-reaching political agenda.

Join us as Ted Harvey dissects Britain’s broken planning system, using the staggering 79,000-page application for a 3.1-mile railway extension as a striking example. We explore how NIMBYism and red tape have derailed crucial infrastructure projects like HS2, costing billions and slowing progress. With international comparisons showing the UK falling behind, this episode delves into why streamlining planning is vital for Britain’s future competitiveness.

In this episode, we unpack the tragic events surrounding the Southport murders and the disturbing far-right insurgencies that followed. We explore how misinformation, amplified on social media, has fueled violence across the UK, targeting asylum-seekers, Muslims, and the British police. With political figures like Nigel Farage and Elon Musk shifting blame and fanning division, we delve into Labour’s response to the crisis and the broader implications for Britain’s democracy. Join us as Ozan Anday analyses the dangerous rise of far-right extremism and the urgent need to protect the values of a multicultural Britain.

In this episode, Yasmine Kelkouli dives into the escalating conflict between Israel and the Houthis in Yemen, following a shocking missile strike on Tel Aviv and Israel's retaliatory airstrikes on Hodeidah. We explore the implications of this new front in the Yemen war, the role of Iranian support, and the potential for broader regional instability. Tune in to understand the rising stakes in this critical geopolitical flashpoint.