Latest Interviews
Showing 1–5 of 5 transcripts.
Clear all filters- The Economist6 min
Who’s really running Iran? | The Economist
David Rennie, Dr Sanam Vakil, Sir Simon Gass
Following a decapitation campaign by U.S. and Israeli forces that eliminated Iran's supreme leader and three layers of military command, the regime is navigating an existential survival war under the succession of the ailing Mojtaba Khamenei. Despite the loss of key figures like Ali Larijani, a consensus-based vote by 12 of 13 Supreme National Security Council members in June confirmed a unified commitment to signing a new MOU driven by rational forward defense rather than irrational hatred. Although the IRGC currently holds increased influence, the system faces critical uncertainty regarding Mojtaba's ability to replicate his predecessor's patronage network while managing severe health issues and a shifting political balance.
- The Economist7 min
Can Donald Trump secure a deal with Cuba? | The Economist
Donald Trump, Dr Christopher Sabatini, David Rennie, Sarah Birke, Christopher
A proposed transactional framework seeks to secure Cuban economic relief, including lifting the oil embargo, in exchange for a credible multi-party election plan. Key figures like Marco Rubio and Donald Trump aim to satisfy the Cuban-American voting bloc by offering a political roadmap that prioritizes economic liberalization over immediate regime change. Despite skepticism regarding the administration's long-term commitment, proponents argue that even a flawed agreement could dismantle the current stagnant leadership structure.
- The Economist9 min
Will China be the real winner from the Iran war? | The Economist
Edward Carr, David Rennie, Adam Roberts, Zanny Minton Beddoes, Ed
Chinese strategic leadership now prioritizes establishing new economic chokeholds in pharmaceuticals and chemicals while explicitly exploiting Donald Trump's transactional nature to secure high-end chip access, fearing that his potential political decline would empower hawkish rivals like Marco Rubio. This approach is underpinned by a cynical calculation that the United States is losing global favorability and alliance cohesion, prompting Beijing to cautiously normalize relations with Southeast Asian partners and free-ride on the existing US-led security order. Despite acknowledging the need for systemic adaptation, China's strategy remains paralyzed by an internal contradiction, lacking a viable plan for a destabilized "law of the jungle" environment while simultaneously avoiding the risks required to lead a new global order.
- The Economist7 min
Finland’s president: are Europe and America’s interests still aligned?| The Economist
Alexander Stubb, Donald Trump, David Rennie
Recent US policy shifts driven by MAGA ideology and an "America First" pecking order have inflicted irreparable damage on transatlantic morale, despite maintaining strategic alignment on Arctic defense and containing Russian influence in Europe. While Finland has bolstered its self-reliant military with conscription and advanced weaponry, the alliance remains fragile due to lingering US control over critical assets like long-range missiles and Starlink capabilities. Bilateral cooperation continues through massive joint exercises in Northern Norway and Finnish acquisition plans, yet the relationship risks escalation if diplomatic off-ramps at venues like Davos fail to prevent trade wars or military threats over issues such as Greenland.
- The Economist7 min
Has the world reached “peak Trump”?
Trump, John Bolton, David Rennie
A recent analysis challenges foreign expectations of normalizing Trump's political influence, highlighting instead a diminishing Republican Party grip evidenced by the rejection of filibuster-ending calls and internal revolts over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. While acknowledging significant institutional damage characterized by a "retribution presidency," the speaker asserts that Trump functions more as a destructive force akin to Pompey rather than an authoritarian capable of constitutional seizure. Consequently, the assessment concludes that although current policies require urgent correction, the underlying American system remains resilient enough to eventually repair the damage through sustained effort and long-term democratic stability.