Views from Down Underer

Indonesia's forest burning is creating huge smog problems for its neighbors. What is happening and why it is a problem?  Serious riots and protests in France that is destabilizing French politics in Macron's last few months as president.  Ukraine is losing support from the White House.  What's happening there and what does it mean for the conduct of the Ukraine war.

Burnham delivered an emotional speech to party faithful. English Premier League team Manchester City was found guilty of charges on financial impropriety.  Xi-Trump meeting in Washington, DC.

AfD- considered an extreme right German party- won Lander election in Saxony-Anhalt.  What are the implications of this historic state election victory?  Is dealignment happening in the German party system?  US President Trump is offering all Americans $5k if the Republicans win the midterm election.  This is the first time a clear monetary reward is offered to voters by a US president.  Is this vote-buying?  US Treasury Bond interest rates are rising despite Treasury's market intervention.  What is happening?  What are the implications?

This is our 100th episode.  We discussed the US-Canada trade war.  What happened?  What next for Canada?  

Recent party support polling is affecting the pre-election coalition politicking.  Is the stale NZ party system ready for rejuvenation with the rise of the Opportunity Party?  NZ Foreign Minister's unkindly remarks in a parliamentary debate made headlines in Asian media of the wrong kind.  Why is it happening at this time of NZ politics.  FIFA announced a money-grabbing proposal of partially privatising its signature events -- World Cup and Club World Cup.  It fell flat on its face before taking off.  What happened?

UK PM Starmer stepping off PM role in September after tumultuous last few months.  Lowy Institute released a public opinion poll on how Aussies view different countries.  World Cup football in North America clouded by 'political interference' of a red card decision.  China conducted missile test in the South Pacific.

NZ social cohesion and views on migration is a topic of a recent survey.  State of US-China relations after Xi-Trump summit. Arts and politics meet in Venice Biennale.  NZ MPs sanctioned by China for visiting Taiwan.

RNZAF plane flies to East China Sea to participate in an international mission but the PRC Foreign Affairs Ministry criticised NZ for this flight.  There is drama around the leaked emails regarding the position of the NZ Prime Minister about the Iran conflict.  The email was supposed to be leaked by the Foreign Minister and NZ news outlets have been giving coverage about this 'scandal.'  Banksy placed a recent sculpture in central London that many art observers say is a critique of 'blind nationalism.' What is this art all about?  In the Auckland area, a sculpture of a Korean comfort woman was not allowed by a local council to be displayed at a Korean garden part of a public park stating that the sculpture is too political. 

Hungarian election resulted in the end of PM Orban's 16-year reign.  What lessons does it offer?  Is it a glimmer of hope to reverse democratic backsliding?  New Zealand's National Party is dropping in public opinion polls leading to the general election this November.  There is unrest within the party and there are rumours about party leadership change.

US-Israeli conflict with Iran is on its fifth week (with no end in sight) and with the global economy held hostage due to the 'closure' of the Strait of Hormuz, US president Trump said that keeping the Strait open is not the US's problem.  In a reverse 'Pottery Barn rule' -- US breaks it but does not want to own it.  Even better it is what we call the 'Pampers rule' -- I make a mess, you clean up for me.  NZ-Cook Island signed a pact a year after Cook Island surprised NZ with a partnership with China.  Is this NZ exercising and imposing its power on its smaller partner?  Lastly, young Aussies are said to be dismayed with democracy.  Is this a blip or a trend?