Mid-atlantic - Conversations About Us, Uk And World Politics

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown, dives into the passionate responses surrounding England’s recent football triumph and the dynamic political landscapes on both sides of the Atlantic. The excitement over England's victory, especially Ollie Watkins' crucial goal, sets a lively tone as Roifield welcomes guests Jane Mote, Tonye Altrade, Leah Brown, Z Cohen Sanchez, Michael Donahue, and Olissa Jones.The Football FeverThe episode kicks off with a high-energy discussion about England's thrilling match, with Jane, Tonye, and Leah sharing their reactions. The panelists recount their experiences watching the game and the emotional rollercoaster leading to the final. Tonye’s description of the bar going “volcanic” after the last-minute winner encapsulates the collective euphoria.Biden’s Mounting PressureShifting gears to politics, the podcast delves into President Biden’s current challenges. Amid growing concerns over his electability, especially after a poor debate performance, the panel explores t

Britain has cast aside 14 years of Conservative rule, ushering in a new era with a Labour landslide in the 2024 general election. This victory, while momentous, has brought with it a wave of uncertainty and a plethora of questions about the future of British politics. Joining host Royfield Brown to dissect this historic event are pundits Steve O'Neill, Corey Bernard, Annie McNeill, Leah Brown, Dave Smith, and Alyssa Jones.Despite the overwhelming victory, the panel agrees that this wasn't a full-hearted embrace of Labour, but rather a rejection of Conservative chaos. Steve O’Neill expresses relief, hoping for stability after years of Brexit-induced turmoil. Corey Bernard and Annie McNeill echo sentiments of cautious optimism, highlighting that Labour's challenge is to transform this vote of dissatisfaction into genuine support.The Conservative Party’s dramatic fall, coupled with the rise of the Reform Party, spells trouble for traditional Tory dominance. Dave Smith warns of the risk of far-right resurgence if

Host Roifield Brown engages in conversation with New York Times bestselling author David Lipsky about his latest book, "The Parrot and the Igloo: Climate and the Science of Denial." Lipsky's work dives into the tangled history of climate change denial in America, tracing its origins and exploring the intersection of science, money, and the American psyche.Lipsky's narrative is compelling, drawing connections between historical technological advancements and the cultural pushback against scientific consensus. He skillfully illustrates how early climate warnings, dating back to the 1910s, were overshadowed by societal fascination with the benefits of industrialization and technological progress. The conversation shifts to contemporary times, highlighting the paradox of technological solutions like fracking reducing emissions while being environmentally controversial.Lipsky and Brown also discuss the psychological and cultural aspects of denial, emphasizing how deeply rooted skepticism and anti-elitism in Americ

Episode Highlights:In this episode of "Mid Atlantic," Roifield Brown, broadcasting from sunny Birmingham, England, is joined by a distinguished panel: Aram Fischer in Oakland, Z Cohen Sanchez in Nevada, Dave Smith in London, and Corey Bernard in Manchester. The focus of the discussion is the aftermath of President Biden's recent debate performance and the final stretch of the UK election campaign.The panel starts by analyzing President Biden's debate performance against Donald Trump, which has stirred significant controversy. Concerns about Biden's mental acuity have intensified following what many viewed as a shaky and ineffective performance. Aram Fischer compares the Democrats' situation to the English national team's struggles in the Euros, suggesting that while Biden's performance was lackluster, the Democrats might still be in a relatively strong position due to Trump's ongoing unpopularity. The conversation then turns to Trump's behaviour during the debate. Corey Bernard notes that, surprisingly, Trump

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown takes us into the complex political crisis of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country on the brink of division with significant implications for the stability of the Western Balkans. Roifield is joined by Valerie Perry, an independent consultant with the Democratization Policy Council, and Florian Bieber, a professor at the University of Graz, to dissect the factors driving Bosnia’s current predicament and the international ramifications of a potential split.Valerie Perry points out that the threats of secession from Milorad Dodik, leader of the Bosnian Serb-controlled territory, are part of a long-standing political strategy. She explains that Dodik’s rhetoric serves to distract from pressing domestic issues like brain drain, low wages, and lack of development. Florian Bieber provides a historical context, highlighting the inadequacies of the Dayton Accords, which, while successful in ending the Bosnian war, established a governance system that has proven to be

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown leads a discussion with an expert panel featuring Ira Shapiro, Aram Fisher, Steve O'Neill, Tonye Altrade, and Michael Donoghue. The main focus is on the launch of the UK party manifestos and the impact they may have as the general election approaches. The panelists examine key pledges from the Conservative, Labour, and Liberal Democrat parties, analysing their potential influence on voters.The discussion also covers recent events in US politics, including President Joe Biden's response to his son Hunter Biden's conviction and the significance of a recent meeting between Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump. The panelists debate the implications of these developments and the broader state of American politics as the 2024 election season heats up.Key QuotesSteve O'Neill on UK Party Manifestos: "The thing with manifestos, they are in some way shopping lists of policies, but they also tell a story. Labour's manifesto tries to tell a story about the kind of governme

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown takes on the heavy subject of global peace—or the lack thereof—in 2024. The discussion opens with a grim statistic: conflict-related deaths in the first four months of the year have reached 47,000, potentially setting a record since the Rwandan genocide. Brown is joined by Thomas Morgan, who discusses the findings of the 18th Global Peace Index (GPI). Morgan explains the GPI's purpose and methodology, noting a general decline in global peacefulness over the past 16 years.Morgan outlines the three domains of the GPI—safety and security, ongoing conflict, and militarisation—highlighting the technological changes and geopolitical shifts contributing to increased conflicts. He emphasises the rise of asymmetric warfare and the increased involvement of non-state actors. The discussion also touches on specific conflicts in Armenia, Azerbaijan, Gaza, Myanmar, and Haiti, illustrating the complex, multifaceted nature of modern conflicts.Brown and Morgan also discuss

In the latest episode of "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown is joined by a global panel including Z Cohen Sanchez from Arizona, Logan Phillips from Washington, DC, Dave Smith from London, and Mike Holden from Burnley. The discussion kicks off with the unfolding UK election campaign, highlighting Nigel Farage's return to frontline politics and the anticipated leaders' debate. The panel dissects Farage's impact on the Conservative Party and the potential electoral consequences of his bid to become an MP in Clapton.Dave and Mike debate the significance of Farage's comeback, emphasising the potential devastation to the Conservative vote. They analyse whether Reform Party votes will translate into parliamentary seats and discuss the broader implications for the Tory party's future. Logan provides a snapshot of current UK polls, showing a significant shift in voter sentiment towards the Reform Party and away from the Conservatives.The conversation then shifts to the aftermath of Donald Trump's recent conviction an

In this episode of Mid-Atlantic, Roifield Brown, broadcasting from sunny Birmingham, is joined by a distinguished panel of political analysts to dissect the latest political turmoil in the US and UK. Representing London is Dave Smith, Logan Phillips joins from Washington, D.C., and Corey Bernard contributes from Manchester, England.UK Election Season Kickoff:The episode focuses on the first week of the UK election season, announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.Rishi Sunak's Rocky Start:Dave Smith describes Sunak's initial week on the campaign trail as disastrous.Missteps include awkward public appearances, such as standing in the rain, posing by the Titanic, and a mishap in a supermarket.Labour Party's Cautious Strategy:The panel discusses Labour's cautious approach, characterized by avoiding bold statements and focusing on not making mistakes.The shadow chancellor's reluctance to identify as a socialist and the deselection of left-wing MPs are highlighted.Polling Analysis:Logan Phillips provides an analysi

Historic Accountability: For the first time, a US president has been held accountable by the justice system. The significance of this verdict in the context of American history and democracy was a major point of discussion.Political Ramifications: The panel explored how this conviction might affect Trump’s political career and the upcoming election. Opinions varied on the extent to which the verdict will impact Trump’s base and the broader electorate.Legal Consequences: Despite the historic nature of the verdict, there was consensus that the actual legal consequences for Trump might be limited, possibly avoiding prison time due to the nature of the crimes and his status.Future Implications: The discussion also touched on how this verdict might influence future presidents and politicians, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the rule of law in maintaining democratic norms.Public and Media Reactions: Immediate reactions from public figures like Biden and Trump Jr. were shared, highlighting the polar

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, dissects Iran's intricate power structures and its enduring protests, with significant implications for both Iran and the broader Middle East. The discussion pivots around the death of Ebrahim Raisi, Iran's president, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader since 1989. The episode features insights from Jason M. Brodsky, policy director of United Against a Nuclear Iran, and Henrik F. Rasmussen, executive director of the Institute for Science and International Security. The guests delve into the workings of the morality police, the enforcement of Islamic dress codes, and their impact on civil liberties. They also explore the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' (IRGC) role in Iran's political and military strategies and Iran's technological and nuclear capabilities. Jason provides a comprehensive overview of Khamenei's rise to power, his extensive bureaucratic reach, and the supreme leader's strategic decisions. He also elaborates on the Iranian protests following the death

In a twist that has left political pundits and voters alike scrambling, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has called for a UK general election on July 4th. This unexpected announcement comes at a time when many believed the election would be delayed until November. The move has sparked a flurry of reactions and speculation about the motivations behind such timing.Key Insights from the EpisodeShock and Speculation: Steve O'Neill, expressed his surprise at the timing, noting that many expected a November election. Tonye Altrade, suggested that recent economic news, particularly regarding inflation, might have influenced Sunak's decision.Labour's Preparedness: The general consensus among the pundits, including Mike Holden and Corey Bernard, is that the Labour Party should be ready for this early election call. Keir Starmer's calm and pragmatic response indicates that Labour is poised for the challenge, despite the unexpected timing.Impact of Voter ID Laws: The discussion also touched on the new voter ID laws, a controv

In Glen's Steps: A Journey with Dementia is a deeply personal and heartfelt podcast series that explores the impact of dementia on Glenroy Brown, a man of remarkable character, and his family. Through candid conversations, personal reflections, and expert insights, we share the journey of his life, from his early years in Jamaica to his current experiences with dementia. This series offers an intimate look at the challenges, changes, and unexpected joys that come with living with this condition, providing support and understanding to families facing similar challenges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Mid Atlantic, host Roifield Brown dives deep into the unfolding crisis in Haiti, a nation with a rich yet tumultuous history. From its days as the world's richest colony to becoming the first black republic and now one of the poorest countries, Haiti's journey has been marked by resilience against relentless adversity. Joining us to dissect the current civil collapse is Michael John Downey, president and director general of Downey Global Strategies, an expert in geopolitical dynamics. We'll explore the historical roots of Haiti's challenges, the rise of gang violence post the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, and the humanitarian crisis that has ensued. This episode sheds light on the complexities of Haiti's plight and discusses potential pathways to stability.Show Notes:IntroductionHost: Roifield BrownGuest: Michael John Downey, president and director general of Downey Global StrategiesTopic: The civil collapse of HaitiHistorical ContextHaiti's journey from the richest colony in th

Description:In this episode of Mid Atlantic, join host Roifield Brown in Birmingham and guests Leah Brown in Broadstairs, and Tonye Altrade in London, as they analyse the dramatic outcomes of the UK's 2024 local elections. Labour is celebrating its noteworthy victories in the West Midlands and London, while the Conservative Party grapples with significant losses, marking its worst performance since 1996. This episode delves into the implications of these results on national politics, the emerging strength of the Green Party, and the voter backlash against Labour over its stance on Gaza. We also explore the potential strategies and challenges facing each major party as they prepare for the upcoming general election.Show Notes:Labour's Celebrations: The hosts and guests discuss Labour's strategic victories and the boost this gives them as they look towards the upcoming general election. Labour's ability to capture key regions such as the West Midlands, with Richard Parker narrowly defeating incumbent Andy Stree

In this weeks "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown and guest expert Mouin Rabbani explore Palestinian politics, with a special focus on the Palestinian Authority and Fatah under Mahmoud Abbas's leadership. They look at the historical evolution of Fatah, the pivotal roles within the Palestine Liberation Organisation, and the controversial dynamics between the Palestinian factions and Israel. The discussion also touches upon the shifting public opinions and the internal and external pressures reshaping Palestinian governance and aspirations.Show Notes:Introduction to the Topic: Overview of Palestinian politics and the key focus on Mahmoud Abbas and Fatah.Guest Introduction: Mouin Rabbani, former UN Special Envoy to Syria and a contributing editor to the Middle East Report.Historical Context: The establishment of the Palestinian Authority through the Oslo Accords and its intended role.Fatah's Role and Evolution: Analysis of Fatah's foundational principles and its impact on Palestinian politics and the PLO.The Osl

Welcome to this episode of the MidAtlantic podcast where we look at the news and views for both sides of The Atlantic. I'm your host, Roifield Brown, and joining me today are a panel of keen observers from across the globe: Kate Smurthwaite and Tonye Altrade from London, Michael Donahue from Los Angeles, and Zee Cohen Sanchez tuning in from Nevada. Today we delve into the intricate layers of one of the most unprecedented legal and political dramas in American history. the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, who faces charges over hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels, and its implications not just on American politics but on the global stage. Also later in the show, we will also cover the never-ending career of Liz Truss and her latest endeavour, the book "10 Years to Save the West." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Roifield Brown is joined by Michael Kaplow from the Israel Policy Forum in Washington, D.C., to dissect recent developments in Middle Eastern geopolitics. They focus on the intense dynamics following Israel's recent military actions against an Iranian consulate in Syria and the consequential Iranian missile barrage. The episode delves into the international outcry, the debate over the legality of the actions under international law, and the potential repercussions on global diplomacy.The conversation extends to Israel's internal political tension regarding its military service policy, especially concerning the ultra-Orthodox community's long-standing draft exemptions. This internal policy debate is juxtaposed with the external military engagements, providing a comprehensive view of the multifaceted challenges Israel faces both domestically and internationally.As the episode unfolds, Kaplow provides an expert analysis of the strategic missteps and potential paths forward, examining how these might influen

In this episode of "Mid Atlantic," host Roifield Brown speaks with seasoned journalist and former head of the BBC in London, Jane Mote. They discuss the challenges facing the BBC, including financial pressures from its traditional license fee model and the broader decline of traditional media in the UK amidst digital transformation. Moat emphasises the necessity for the BBC to adapt to changing consumer preferences, where people favour streaming services like Netflix over traditional broadcasting due to brand loyalty.Mote also touches on the BBC's role in creating and maintaining British cultural identity in a globalised media landscape. She points out the organisation's ongoing struggle with maintaining editorial independence amidst political pressures and decreasing audiences. Furthermore, Moat highlights the need for the BBC to foster diverse and inclusive content that truly reflects its audience, critiquing its current shortcomings in diversity and inclusion.Throughout the conversation, they explore the i

In the first of the Midatlantic Essays, I explain the failure of privatised water and why we need to bring it back into public ownership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.