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A third world war may seem a distant prospect to the general public, but to world leaders, it’s very real. In recent years, In recent years, presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping along with Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte have all alluded to the possibility of a global conflict. International wars are ongoing in Europe and the Middle East, while China’s designs on Taiwan are no secret. Are we sleepwalking into a third world war? Gideon discusses his new book, War is Interested in You with foreign editor Alec Russell. Clip: FT Subscribe to Gideon’s show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen. Further reading: Are we sleepwalking into World War III? Presented by Alec Russell. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Sound design is by Breen Turner. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saturday’s missile strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh was the deadliest attack on Saudi Arabia since the US and Israel’s war on Iran began in February. By bringing the conflict to the heart of Saudi Arabia, Houthi rebels are hoping to inflict economic damage on the kingdom, which is in the midst of an ambitious programme to diversify away from oil. How effective has the Houthi campaign been so far? How will Saudi’s allies, including the US, Turkey and Pakistan, react to this danger? And why are the Houthis so hard to defeat? Gideon speaks to Emile Hokayem of the International Institute for Strategic Studies. Clip: BBC News Subscribe to Gideon’s show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen. Further reading: Military briefing: Houthis expose limits of Saudi Arabia’s vast arsenal Houthi assault on Saudi airports strikes at MBS’s economic vision Houthis attack Saudi Aramco headquarters Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. The senior producer was Laurence Knight. Sound design is by Samantha Giovinco and Breen Turner. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flávio Bolsonaro took a clear lead in the first round of Brazil’s presidential election, and is the favourite to assume power after a run-off against the incumbent, Lula Ignacio da Silva, later this month. Will Flávio, who is the son of imprisoned former president Jair Bolsonaro, follow his father’s playbook, by cosying up to Trump and slashing environmental regulations – or will he follow a more moderate path? Gideon speaks to Oliver Stuenkel, a professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation in Brazil and fellow with the Carnegie Endowment in Washington, to find out how a Bolsonaro victory would change Brazil. They discuss Brazil’s relations with the US, China, and its Latin American neighbours: and they examine why whoever wins the Brazilian election is unlikely to have a long honeymoon period. Clips: APT Subscribe to Gideon’s show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen. Further reading: Brazil’s Bolsonaro dynasty closes in on stunning comeback Brazil’s Bolsonaro comeback exposes Lula’s weakness Brazil’s markets surge as investors bet on Flávio Bolsonaro election win Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design is by Sean McGarrity Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

High-profile AI safety incidents, as well as warnings from industry figures about AI’s rapid progress, have stoked a new wave of fear about the future of humanity. Artificial intelligence systems are becoming more and more capable. Can we regulate this technology effectively – or is it too late to put the AI genie back in the bottle? Gideon speaks to Toby Ord, senior researcher at Oxford university’s AI Governance Institute, and author of ‘The Precipice: Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity.’ Clip: C-Span Subscribe to Gideon’s show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen. Further reading: Anthropic warns of ‘existential risks to humanity’ in IPO prospectus Why the AI race has its creators fearing human extinction Donald Trump praises tech bosses’ ‘self-regulation’ of AI Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design is by Samantha Giovinco and Breen Turner. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More than three decades after The End of History and the Last Man made Francis Fukuyama one of the world’s best-known political thinkers, he is still correcting misconceptions about what he actually meant. In a wide-ranging conversation with host Gideon Rachman, Fukuyama revisits his original thesis and explores how resentment and the search for recognition are reshaping liberal democracy. They also discuss whether US institutions can withstand Donald Trump’s authoritarian impulses, why Fukuyama remains optimistic about American democracy, China and Russia’s quest for status, and his own intellectual journey away from neoconservatism. Cip: BBC Free links to read more on this topic: In the Realm of the Last Man — how the future disappeared from politics A German election result heard around the world A spreading war threatens Trump and MBS Supreme Court rejects Donald Trump’s restrictions on mail-in ballots for midterms Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts — please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Clare Williamson. Executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design is by Breen Turner Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The world is experiencing a record number of conflicts, just as governments retreat from international aid and diplomacy to leave a more politically fragmented international landscape in their wake. That is the view of David Miliband, the former UK foreign secretary and president of the International Rescue Committee, in conversation with host Gideon Rachman. They discuss the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the collapse in humanitarian funding and whether middle powers can ever fill the vacuum left by the US. Clip: Al Jazeera Want more? Free links: Fragile states in Africa and Middle East hit by more than 40% cut in UK direct aid Life on the frontline against Ebola How will UK foreign policy change under Ed Miliband? Donald Trump reboots foreign aid with cash-for-data strategy Presented by Gideon Rachman. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design by Breen Turner and Sam Giovinco Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

War is raging in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan, while tensions are rising between China and Taiwan. What is driving this surge in global conflict, how should we respond and where, if anywhere, are the prospects for peace? Gideon is joined by Sir John Sawers, former head of MI6; Tom Tugendhat, the UK’s new shadow foreign secretary; and Kim Ghattas, FT contributing editor and author of Black Wave. They discuss how today’s conflicts are connected, the risk of further escalation and the importance of ending a war well. This episode is an edited recording of an event organised by FT Weekend Festival. Clip: CBS News Free links to read more on this topic: Trump envoys take Ukraine peace proposal to meeting with Putin Trump envoys hold talks with Zelenskyy in Kyiv after meeting Putin in Moscow Russia launches missile strikes against Kyiv as pause in raids ends Why the US and Iran keep escalating Lebanon warns of ‘dangerous escalation’ after Israeli strikes Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Clare Williamson. Sound design is by Breen Turner Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent is calling for an “economic D-Day” for the Iranian regime while threatening secondary sanctions on countries that do business with the country. Will this be more effective than previous attempts at economic pressure? What impact will this have on US relations with China? And how will energy markets react? Sasha Polakow-Suransky, executive opinion editor, speaks with Emma Ashford, Stimson Center senior fellow and Foreign Policy columnist, about Washington’s latest Iran sanctions push dubbed Operation Economic Outcast. Clip: CBS News Join us at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday, September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London, and spend the day with FT journalists and leading voices across business, politics, economics, culture and the arts. FT podcast listeners can save 10% off tickets with the code FTPODCAST. Click on this link to find out more. Free links to read more on this topic: US launches further strikes on Iran as conflict flares up Energy price surge hits bond markets as European gas reaches three-year high Donald Trump says US will hit Iran ‘hard’ as conflict reignites  Scott Bessent: an economic D-Day is coming for Iran Scott Bessent threatens Iran’s economic partners with more sanctions Is China’s ‘wise camel’ the winner from the US-Iran war? Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Sasha Polakow-Suransky. Produced by Clare Williamson. Sound design is by Breen Turner Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UN is choosing a new secretary-general at a time when it’s struggling to remain relevant. Sidelined in the wars in Ukraine, Sudan and the Middle East, and facing a severe funding crisis, the organisation is under growing pressure. This week, guest host Alec Russell speaks to Thant Myint-U, a former UN official, author and the grandson of former UN secretary-general U Thant, about the challenges its new leader will face. Clip: AP Archive Free links to read more on this topic: António Guterres on the future of the UN Superpowers are discovering their limits, says UN chief The new world order? Every man for himself Wanted: a leader to rescue the UN Nuclear watchdog chief pitches ‘leaner’ UN in secretary-general bid Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts  Join us at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday, September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London and spend the day with FT journalists and leading voices across business, politics, economics, culture and the arts. FT podcast listeners can save 10% off tickets with the code FTPODCAST. Click on this link to find out more. Follow Alec on X @alecurussell Presented by Alec Russell. Produced by Clare Williamson. Sound design is by Breen Turner. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon Rachman speaks to historian and author Simon Sebag Montefiore about his new book, The Cauldron: The Making of the Modern Middle East. They discuss the forces that shaped the region, from the Ottoman Empire and Ataturk to the ongoing tensions between the US, Israel and Iran. Gideon and Simon examine the region's complexities and interconnectedness and whether lessons from the past can offer a glimpse into the future. CLIP: British Pathé Join us at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday, September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London and spend the day with FT journalists and leading voices across business, politics, economics, culture and the arts. FT podcast listeners can save 10% off tickets with the code FTPODCAST. Click on this link to find out more. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Want more? Free links: Israeli settlers besiege Palestinian homes The exodus from Israel Egypt deploys jets to UAE as Iran war strains Arab alliances Far-right Israeli minister advocates killing ‘30 to 40’ Gazans each night Israel moves to give police powers in occupied West Bank Far-right Israeli minister advocates killing ‘30 to 40’ Gazans each night Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts  Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Clare Williamson. Sound design is by Breen Turner. Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Vali Nasr, author of Iran’s Grand Strategy and professor of Middle Eastern Studies at Johns Hopkins University, SAIS, about how the balance of power in the Middle East is changing. After six months of on-off hostilities, Nasr argues, Iran’s core aims are unchanged - ending the US threat and securing economic relief. But Iran now looks to have the upper hand and is using its leverage from controlling the Strait of Hormuz to seek ever more far-reaching concessions from the superpower. Clip: CTV Free links to read more on this topic: Will failure in Iran reshape how the US fights? Iran’s supreme leader elevates loyalists as he tightens grip Trump and the failure of the Fafo doctrine Brinkmanship in the Strait of Hormuz Israel’s campaign to make southern Lebanon ‘unliveable’  Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Clare Williamson. Sound design is by Breen Turner Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What began as outrage over a senior judge's comments has become one of the most striking youth protest movements India has seen in years. Gideon talks to Professor Mukulika Banerjee of the London School of Economics about why so many young Indians have taken to the streets, what the "cockroach movement" says about the country's economic and educational pressures, and whether it poses a genuine challenge to Narendra Modi's government. Clip: BBC Free links to read more on this topic: Abhijeet Dipke, the face of India’s victorious ‘cockroach’ protests India’s ‘Cockroach’ Gen Z has had enough India should listen to its frustrated youth Why India’s student protests are different India’s ‘cockroach’ movement halts protests after minister quits Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Clare Williamson. Sound design is by Breen Turner Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tariffs, sanctions and chokepoints have become the weapon of choice to punish political rivals - but what happens when these fail? Gideon discusses the impact of geopolitical disputes on global trade with Edward Fishman, author of Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare. Clip: Al Jazeera Free links to read more on this topic: Trump vows to deliver ‘beating’ to Iran in retaliation for latest attack Saudi Arabia joins US strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq Ukraine, Iran and how regional wars go global Donald Trump rebuilds his tariff wall Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Sean McGarrity. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Julianne Smith, former US ambassador to Nato about the future of the alliance. There seems to be greater transatlantic agreement on Ukraine, but tensions remain over Europe’s stance on Donald Trump’s war on Iran. So can the alliance survive without the US at the helm? Clip: ANI News Free links to read more on this topic: Nato’s carnival of Trumpian caprice Why the world trusts China more than America Ukraine’s drone swarms test Moscow air defences Nato opens its cheque books in bid to keep Trump engaged Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon talks to Simon Kuper, FT columnist and author of World Cup Fever, about what distinguishes this World Cup from previous tournaments. What role has geopolitics played historically in the World Cup and is there any truth to some of the conspiracy theories surrounding this year's events? Clip: ITV Sport Free links to read more on this topic: Bellingham brace carries England past Norway into World Cup semi-final World Cup shows US is ‘golden market’ for football, says Major League Soccer boss How western Europe became a formidable football factory Why are China and India so bad at football? Inside the secretive Fifa committee that suspended the US red card Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe. Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Breen Turner. Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachman Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.