FT World Weekly

As Britain and the EU finally begin formal Brexit negotiations on Monday, Gideon Rachman discusses what to expect in the weeks ahead with Alex Barker, the FT's Brussels bureau chief, and Whitehall editor James Blitz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gideon Rachman discusses what's behind the siege of super rich Gulf state Qatar by its neighbours Saudi Arabia and the UAE with the FT's Simeon Kerr and Erika Solomon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany's Angela Merkel says Europe can no longer count on the US as a reliable partner, reflecting a widening rift with US president Donald Trump. Gideon Rachman discusses this deterioration in relations with FT Berlin correspondent Guy Chazan and Geoff Dyer, former Washington correspondent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump reset US relations with the Sunni Arab world during a foreign trip that included visits to Saudi Arabia and Israel. But how much has the substance of US policy towards the Middle East changed? The FT's Ben Hall discusses the issue with deputy editor Roula Khalaf, Gulf correspondent Simeon Kerr and Jerusalem bureau chief John Reed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Venezuela has become trapped in a downward spiral of economic decline, social turmoil and political unrest. Gideon Rachman discusses the worsening situation with Latin America editor John Paul Rathbone and Andes correspondent Gideon Long. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There are big expectations for France's new 'rock star' president, who has promised to overhaul politics in the country. Gideon Rachman asks Ben Hall and Anne-Sylvaine Chassany what his first priorities will be. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a tempestuous week in the world of Brexit. British prime minister Theresa May angrily denounced the EU for "meddling" in the British election, just days after reports were leaked of her acrimonious dinner with Brussels officials. Jonathan Derbyshire joins the FT's Gideon Rachman and Daniel Dombey to discuss the future of the UK-EU relationship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Polls predict an easy victory for Emmanuel Macron in the second round of France's presidential elections, but a lot can happen in the final two weeks of campaigning. Gideon Rachman discusses the independent centrist and his prospects with the FT's Tony Barber and Michael Stothard Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

By winning last week's constitutional referendum, albeit narrowly, Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has achieved his long-held ambition of taming the country's institutions. Daniel Dombey discusses how he is likely to use his new powers with Delphine Strauss and Mehul Srivastava. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump's decision to order a cruise missile strike on a Syrian airbase in response to the Assad regime's use of chemical weapons has raised hopes that the world’s policeman is back on the beat. But does the move signal a genuine change of strategy? Ben Hall puts the question to the FT's Gideon Rachman and Geoff Dyer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump is welcoming Chinese president Xi Jinping to his Florida resort this week for their first ever face-to-face meeting, with discussions expected on centre on trade relations and the North Korean nuclear crisis. Geoff Dyer discusses the US-China relationship with FT Beijing bureau chief Tom Mitchell, and Demetri Sevastopulo, Washington bureau chief. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tensions between North Korea and the US have escalated this month over Pyongyang’s fast-developing nuclear weapons programme. How is the Trump administration going to manage the reclusive state? Gideon Rachman puts the question to the FT's Seoul bureau chief Bryan Harris and Geoff Dyer, a former FT foreign affairs correspondent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FT's deputy editor Roula Khalaf chairs a panel discussion on the rise of the right in Europe, with the FT's Gideon Rachman and Simon Kuper and with Catherine Fieschi, a political consultant and longtime observer of the far right in France. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Gideon Rachman talks to two leading pro-democracy activists from Hong Kong about the city's "one country, two systems" agreement with China. Both Joshua Wong, 20, and Nathan Law, 23, played prominent roles in the Umbrella Movement in 2014 that took to streets to demand democratic elections for Hong Kong chief executive in 2014. Mr Law is the youngest elected member of the Hong Kong legislative council to date - but could be disbarred from office for his views. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Benjamin Netanyahu should be feeling on top of the world after a high profile visit to the White House last month. But at home, the Israeli prime minister faces three police investigations that are testing his reputation for political invincibility. Gideon Rachman discusses what this could mean for Israel with the FT's Jerusalem bureau chief John Reed and FT International affairs editor David Gardner. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

French presidential hopeful François Fillon has slumped in the polls after being placed under formal investigation over an alleged fake jobs scandal. But the one-time frontrunner has vowed to stay in the race. What does this mean for France - and for Marine Le Pen's chances for taking the Élysée? FT world news editor Ben Hall discusses the question with Gideon Rachman, the FT's chief international commentator, and Paris correspondent Michael Stothard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martin Schulz, the new face of Germany's Social Democratic Party, has surged in the polls to become a surprise challenger to chancellor Angela Merkel in September's elections. Gideon Rachman discusses what this could mean for Germany with the FT's Stefan Wagstyl and Guy Chazan in Berlin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This year, the African National Congress - which has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid - picks a new leader. But their embattled president, Jacob Zuma, will leave a legacy of scandal, corruption allegations and a sluggish economy. Gideon Rachman discusses the future of Africa's largest economy with the FT's Africa editor David Pilling, and South Africa correspondent Joseph Cotterill. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With economic growth reviving in the eurozone, is the euro crisis now over, or is this just a lull before another euro storm? Gideon Rachman puts the question to Claire Jones, FT correspondent in Frankfurt, and Martin Sandbu, economics commentator. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump's controversial visa ban has led to chaos at airports and condemnation from abroad. What are the consequences - at home and overseas - of this unprecedented move by the new president? Daniel Dombey, the FT's deputy world news editor, discusses the question with Washington bureau chief Demetri Sevastopulo and Erika Solomon, Middle East correspondent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The list of contenders for France's 2017 election will be finalised this week, as the socialists choose their candidate on Sunday. Gideon Rachman discusses what is set to be an unpredictable and closely fought battle for the presidency with Anne-Sylvaine Chassany, the FT’s Paris bureau chief, and former bureau chief Hugh Carnegy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, UK prime minister Theresa May laid out her plans for a 'hard' Brexit, as US president-elect Donald Trump expressed doubts about the EU's future and promised a 'quick' US-UK trade deal. How feasible would such a deal be? And is the west retreating from a free trade model that has taken decades to roll out? Daniel Dombey, the FT's Brexit editor, discusses with Brussels bureau chief Alex Barker and FT world trade editor Shawn Donnan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A series of confirmation hearings for president-elect Donald Trump's controversial cabinet nominees began in the Senate this week, with Democrats eager to grill candidates. How smooth is the process likely to be and who is vulnerable? Gideon Rachman puts the question to Courtney Weaver, the FT's White House correspondent, and Barney Jopson, the US policy correspondent in Washington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new year began with a terrorist attack on a nightclub in Istanbul which left 39 dead - the latest blow to hit a country still reeling from the aftermath of a failed coup last year and the political purges that followed. Gideon Rachman discusses Turkey's prospects with Daniel Dombey and Mehul Srivastava Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Daniel Dombey asks Gideon Rachman, the FT's chief foreign affairs columnist, and Fred Studemann, features editor, how the big events of 2016 - Brexit, the US election, and Syria - will play out on the world stage in the coming year. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump created a diplomatic storm earlier this month by speaking on the telephone to Taiwan's leader - the first such official communication since 1979. He then suggested he might ditch US adherence to the One China policy - a bedrock of ties between the two world powers. Does he really mean to change US policy and if so what will the consequences be for US-China ties? Ben Hall puts the question to the FT's James Kynge and Demetri Sevastopulo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Natalie Roberts has spent several years on the front lines of conflict zones as an emergency doctor for Médecins Sans Frontières, providing medical care to critically injured and malnourished patients. She talks to the FT's Maggie Fick about her time working for the humanitarian organisation in war-torn Yemen. To read more about MSF and the FT Seasonal Appeal visit FT.com/appeal. Diary clips and photo courtesy of MSF. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will Fidel Castro's influence over Cuba outlast his death, and will the Trump presidency reverse the detente with the US begun by Barack Obama? Gideon Rachman puts these questions to John Paul Rathbone, the FT's Latin America editor, and Geoff Dyer, Washington correspondent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

François Fillon, a former prime minister, looks on course to become the surprise presidential candidate of the centre-right in next year's French presidential elections. James Wilson asks Anne-Sylvaine Chassany, Paris correspondent, and Ben Hall, world news editor, what his appeal is and how he would fare in a contest against the far-right populist leader Marine Le Pen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does the election victory of Donald Trump represent an opportunity or a threat to Europe? Gideon Rachman discusses the mixed reaction across the continent with George Parker, the FT's political editor in London, and diplomatic correspondent Arthur Beesley in Brussels. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump's momentous victory has stunned America's allies but also delighted populists and strongmen leaders around the world, notably Russia's Vladimir Putin. Ben Hall discusses the world response with Gideon Rachman and Guy Chazan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chinese president Xi Jinping was anointed as the “core” leader of the Communist party last week, paving the way for a return to strongman rule. So is China moving towards a more autocratic system? Gideon Rachman discusses the question with the FT's Beijing correspondent Lucy Hornby, and James Kynge, former bureau chief in the capital. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wallonia, a Belgian region, has rejected the proposed Ceta trade deal with Canada, all but torpedoing the agreement for good. What does this mean for the EU's trade liberalisation agenda, transatlantic trade and the UK's Brexit negotiations? The FT's world news editor Ben Hall speaks with Brussels bureau chief Alex Barker and our diplomatic correspondent, Arthur Beesley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vladimir Putin has been playing brinkmanship in Syria, Ukraine, and elsewhere. Is the Russian president a master strategist or are his moves merely opportunistic? Gideon Rachman discusses the question with Neil Buckley the FT's East Europe editor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

South Africa has been shaken by news that the country's respected finance minister Pravin Gordhan is facing fraud charges in what appears to be the latest episode in a power struggle with President Jacob Zuma and his allies. Many suspect the charges are trumped up and designed to give Mr Zuma total control of the levers of power. Ben Hall discusses what happens next with Joseph Cotterill and Andrew England Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the UK Conservative party conference this week we got a clearer sense of Theresa May's Brexit vision, with the prime minister announcing that the process for leaving the bloc will be formally set in motion early next year. So what are the implications at this stage for Britain - and for Europe? Gideon Rachman puts the question to Daniel Dombey, the FT's Brexit editor, and Brussels bureau chief Alex Barker. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Matteo Renzi, Italy's prime minister, set a date in December for his high-stakes referendum on constitutional reform. The vote will determine the political future of a leader already struggling with painful party defeats in local elections, troubles in Italy's banking system and a persistently weak economy. Ben Hall discusses with James Politi, the FT's Italy correspondent and Europe news editor Joshua Chaffin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a brief ceasefire, the war in Syria has been renewed in all its horror. Is there anything that can stop it? Gideon Rachman puts the question to Geoff Dyer, US diplomatic correspondent and Erika Solomon, Middle East correspondent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US presidential election has taken a dramatic new turn with the sudden illness of Hillary Clinton, and a tightening in the opinion polls. Could Donald Trump actually win? Gideon Rachman discusses with the FT's chief political commentator Philip Stephens and Shawn Donnan, the world trade editor based in the Washington bureau. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angela Merkel is facing a new challenge to her leadership after the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany dealt her party a stinging blow in a regional election on Sunday. What threat does the success of the populist party pose for German stability and for Merkel's chance of remaining as chancellor? Gideon Rachman puts the question to Stefan Wagstyl, the FT's Berlin bureau chief and Fred Studemann, comment editor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Economic ties between Europe and the US took a knock this week when the EU slapped huge back taxes on Apple and several European politicians declared transatlantic trade talks to be effectively dead. Gideon Rachman asks Tony Barber, the FT's Europe editor, and Shawn Donnan, the FT's world trade editor, what hopes remain for a successful conclusion to the TTIP talks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Turkey sent tanks into Syria on Wednesday, as part of a major offensive ostensibly against Isis - but also to contain Syrian Kurds. The move follows a recent coup attempt against President Erdogan and a deadly terrorist attack in the southern Turkish town of Gaziantep. Andrew England, the FT's Middle East editor, speaks with Turkey correspondent Mehul Srivastava and former Turkey correspondent Daniel Dombey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russia has been back in the spotlight recently, after President Putin replaced his long-standing chief of staff Sergei Ivanov. Meanwhile, tensions have mounted in eastern Ukraine, prompting fears of a new Russian offensive. Russia is still heavily involved in Syria. Is a new crisis building? Gideon Rachman speaks with Kathrin Hille, the FT's Moscow bureau chief, and Neil Buckley, Eastern Europe editor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Donald Trump gave a major speech on the economy and Hillary Clinton fired back. While Trump attempted to appeal to a more traditional Republican base with many of his proposed policies, how is his trade protectionism being received? And is Clinton tacking to the left or heading for the centre ground? Gideon Rachman puts the questions to Shawn Donnan, the FT's World Trade editor and Sam Fleming, US economics editor. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The battle for Syria's second city is both a grave humanitarian crisis and a potential turning point in the country's long civil war. The FT's Erika Solomon and David Gardner join Gideon Rachman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia got off to a turbulent start this week, revealing deep divisions between supporters of Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. The FT's World News editor Ben Hall discusses what this means for Clinton's campaign for the White House with Washington bureau chief Demetri Sevastopulo and Gideon Rachmann, the FT's chief foreign affairs commentator. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following a failed military coup in Turkey, President Erdogan has launched a sweeping crackdown on alleged plot sympathisers. Who was responsible for the uprising? And how have Ankara's western allies responded? The FT's World News editor Ben Hall speaks to Mehul Srivastava, the FT's correspondent in Turkey, and former Turkey correspondent Daniel Dombey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Italy's banking system is struggling in the wake of Britain's vote to leave the European Union and ahead of stress tests this month. What does this mean for the future of Matteo Renzi, Italy's prime minister, and for Europe's wider economic prospects? Daniel Dombey puts the question to the FT's Alex Barker and James Politi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's Chilcot report delivered a damning verdict on Britain’s decision to go to war in Iraq in 2003. The UK's political, military and intelligence establishments were all implicated, but particular criticism was reserved for Tony Blair, the former prime minister. Daniel Dombey discusses the report's findings with the FT's James Blitz and Roula Khalaf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How far will Frankfurt and Paris go to claim the business of the City of London once the UK has left the European Union? Which other cities are in the running and how many jobs does London stand to lose? Gideon Rachman puts these questions to Michael Stothard, the FT's Paris correspondent and James Shotter, Frankfurt correspondent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.