Roundtable
648 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 months ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingA discussion programme with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by David Foster, it's about bringing people to the table, listening to every opinion, and analysing every point of view.
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Episodes
How is the Ukraine crisis impacting other humanitarian crises?
April 25, 2022 16:00 - 25 minutes VideoWith more than 10 billion dollars raised for Ukraine, in just one global fundraiser, that conflict is getting more than just the headlines. It’s getting the money. And there are warnings that other global humanitarian crises will be neglected. How do you keep up the pressure to help those in need everywhere? Guests: Ole Solvang Norwegian Refugee Council Nhial Deng South Sudanese refugee Matt Saltmarsh Head of News and Media at UNHCR Roundtable is a discussion program with an edge. ...
Who will win France's Presidential runoff?
April 24, 2022 13:12 - 26 minutes VideoIt’s now a two-horse race in France and while Macron and Le Pen may not be vying for the Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe, their prize is arguably greater – we’re into the final furlong in the Elysee Palace race . So what will it mean for the rest of Europe and the wider world - if it’s another five years for Macron or a first term for Marine Le Pen. Guests: Alexis Poulin Co-founder of Le Monde Moderne Media Velina Tchakarova Director at the Austrian Institute for European & Security Policy De...
Is it the end of the Royals in the Caribbean?
April 22, 2022 20:27 - 25 minutes VideoBritish Royals are used to being greeted with cheering crowds wherever they go, but in Jamaica Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge where met with protestors demanding an apology for British slavery. Prince William expressed his ‘profound sorrow’. As Jamaica seeks to remove the Queen as its head of state. What does this mean for the Royals, the Commonwealth and for Britain? Guests: Dickie Arbiter Former Press Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II Rafe Heydel-Mankoo Royal Historian Angel...
UKRAINE: The cost of rebuilding the country?
April 20, 2022 15:23 - 26 minutes VideoWhere do you start with re-building Ukraine and who should pay? The costs will be huge and they’re increasing daily.
Could Ukraine be Chechnya's Kadyrov’s undoing?
April 16, 2022 11:39 - 25 minutes VideoHe’s been called Putin’s attack dog. Ramzan Kadyrov, the Chechen leader, has sent his feared troops into Ukraine. Since then, Kadyrov has posted a stream of videos from the front lines on social media showing soldiers allegedly participating in military activities on Ukrainian territory. But, could this intervention prove Kadyrov’s undoing? Guests: Aglaya Snetkov Lecturer in International Politics at UCL Harold Chambers North Caucasus Analyst Munira Mustaffa Non-Resident Fellow at...
Can Macron convince Europe to beef up its defences?
April 14, 2022 08:10 - 26 minutes VideoNATO is “brain dead” - Emanuel Macron declared more than two years ago. As Russia’s Ukraine offensive enters its second month, he’s calling once again for the European Union to create its own independent defence force. Is it just a pipe dream or will Russia’s aggression finally galvanise Europe to stand on its own feet? GUESTS Emmanuel Dupuy President of Institute for European Perspective and Security Ed Arnold Research Fellow at Royal United Services Institute Bence Nemeth Lecturer in De...
ORBAN’S VICTORY: May trigger freeze on EU funding?
April 13, 2022 14:13 - 26 minutes VideoHaving blocked billions in Covid economic relief to Hungary, the European Union is looking to cut billions more to punish Victor Orban as he continues to break ranks with the bloc’s liberal values and tough sanctions over Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Does Macron deserve a second presidential term?
April 07, 2022 16:52 - 26 minutes VideoThe French president Emmanuel Macron became the youngest president ever when he won in 2017. He was 39 years old then. And now, after 5 years, he is hoping to make history again by becoming the first French President to win re-election in two decades.
Where is the far-right's breakthrough candidate?
April 07, 2022 16:52 - 26 minutes VideoCould this be the far-right’s best chance in the race for the Elysee Palace. But she isn’t alone in courting the far-right vote. What is behind France’s fascination with far right candidates.
Rohingya genocide: Why the U.S take so long to recognise it?
April 07, 2022 16:52 - 26 minutes VideoMore than five years after the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled Myanmar‘s military crackdown, the United States has declared it genocide. More than 6,000 people were killed in the first month of the onslaught. But why has it taken so long to recognise the atrocities?
What is it like to be a minority in France?
April 06, 2022 22:13 - 26 minutes VideoFrance sees itself as a secular, colour-blind democracy. But, election after election France’s minorities have found themselves used to drum up votes for all parties. Guests: Philippe Marliere Professor of French and EU politics Akila Chetitah Founder of Coaching by Akila Jean Beaman Professor of Sociology Roundtable is a discussion program with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by David Foster, it's about bringing people to the table, listening to every opinion, and an...
Could Russia derail the Iran Nuclear deal?
March 29, 2022 11:22 - 25 minutes VideoIs the US going to allow Russia to be part of any revived Iran nuclear deal? There are suggestions that it could, despite the massive international sanctions imposed on Moscow because of events in Ukraine. Guests: Mohammad Marandi Professor at Tehran University Samuel M. Hickey Research Analyst at the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation Darya Dolzikova RUSI Proliferation and Nuclear Policy programme Seyed Hossein Mousavian Former Spokesman for Iran's Nuclear Negotiations Tea...
Ukraine’s Humanitarian Crisis
March 24, 2022 15:48 - 25 minutes VideoMillions are trying to escape Ukraine, some have already made it, but what does the future hold? What should the world do to help with this mass migration? Europe has seen nothing like it since the Second World War. Becky Bakr Abdulla spokesperson at Norwegian Refugee Council Dr Unni Krishnan Global Humanitarian Director at Plan International Jennifer Sciuba Global fellow with the Woodrow Wilson Centre Roundtable is a discussion program with an edge. Broadcast out of London and present...
Where does China stand on the Russia-Ukraine conflict?
March 24, 2022 15:02 - 24 minutes VideoChina’s President has called Vladimir Putin his “best friend.” Together they’ve said the relationship between their countries had “no limits.” But after Russia's attack on Ukraine. China has been under pressure. Washington warned Beijing of “consequences” should it provide military or financial assistance to Moscow. Will China reconsider its relationship with Russia? Andy Mok Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for China and Globalization Natasha Kuhrt Lecturer in International Peace a...
UKRAINE ATTACK: Will peace talks bring a lasting solution?
March 23, 2022 16:11 - 26 minutes VideoIf there’s to be a peace deal in Ukraine, then both sides will have to be able to claim victory. What’s it going to take for the bloodshed there to end?
Is the media's Ukraine coverage biased?
March 18, 2022 16:20 - 26 minutes VideoRussia’s attack on Ukraine has opened up Western media and journalists to accusations of bias and racism. Over their reporting of Ukrainian refugees compared to other emergencies or conflicts which have created mostly non-white refugees. Is it subconscious bias and tribalism that means some lives are more valuable than others? Guests: Yvonne Ridley Journalist and Author Patrick Vernon OBE cultural historian and social commentator Humphrey Hawksley Former BBC Foreign Correspondent & Autho...
UKRAINE ATTACK: Why is the global south silent on the conflict?
March 17, 2022 15:58 - 26 minutes VideoWith sanctions biting and multinationals quitting Russia, Putin is feeling the pressure. But he’s not entirely isolated. Why is India, for instance - the world’s largest democracy - just one of a number of nations reluctant to criticise Putin?
Has Europe's military aid come too late for Ukraine?
March 08, 2022 19:28 - 26 minutes VideoHas Europe finally woken up to the threat on its doorstep after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. At last, the continent seems to be speaking/ acting with one voice. But is it too little, too late? Yes, there are now weapons going east, humanitarian aid on offer and sanctions. But the initial push came from elsewhere. What did that say about the EU acting as one? GUESTS: Pavel Havliček Association for International Affairs Andreas Umland European Analyst Roundtable is a discussion program ...
What can be done to overcome climate anxiety?
March 08, 2022 19:18 - 26 minutes VideoAfter a temporary blip due to the pandemic, harmful greenhouse gases are back on the rise. Governments are rowing back on climate change commitments… Leading to a rise in climate anxiety among young people, who will have to live with government inaction and the impact of climate change. GUESTS: Megan Kennedy-Woodward Co-Founder at Climate Psychologists Nyombi Morris Climate activist Elouise Mayall, UK Youth Climate Coalition Roundtable is a discussion program with an edge. Broadcas...
UKRAINE: Is this Putin’s biggest mistake?
March 03, 2022 16:21 - 26 minutes VideoAs Russia’s president sits in the Kremlin raging about Ukraine, his nuclear forces on high alert, Russians have taken to the street to protest Putin’s war. A war that is meeting heavy resistance on the street’s of Kyiv - will the body bags and sanctions lead to a coup in Moscow?
Can EU-Africa rebuild trust?
March 02, 2022 17:03 - 25 minutes VideoThe EU’s chief says Europe is Africa’s most reliable partner. But after decades of neglect, can it fill the void as China steps back and Russia looks to extend its influence? Macron has long called for a reset of this relationship, as far back as 2017 - when he declared the end of ‘Francafrique’. Is this more rhetoric and is it time for Africa to stop asking for European aid? Guests: Gyude Moore Center for Global Development Geert Laporte Director of the European Think Tanks Group Alex...
Can Vaccine Makers Be Trusted?
March 02, 2022 08:25 - 26 minutes VideoCovid-19 jabs are the most lucrative vaccines in history. Pfizer, BioNTech and Moderna are making one thousand dollars every minute in profit, while the world's poorest countries remain largely unvaccinated. Should big pharma be cashing in on Covid-19 vaccines after the huge investment governments have made? Guests: Greg Perry Assistant Director General of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations Mohga Kamal-Yanni Senior Health Policy advisor to The Pe...
Are Russian troops in Belarus a permanent fixture?
February 25, 2022 13:50 - 26 minutes VideoAll eyes are on the buildup of Russian troops at the Ukrainian border. But Moscow has also deployed thousands of troops backed by warplanes to Belarus. It’s the largest military exercise between the two countries in decades. As tensions rise in eastern Europe… GUESTS Alexander Khara Former Advisor to Ministry of Defence of Ukraine Keir Giles Senior Fellow at Chatham House Franak Viačorka Political Advisor to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya
Why is the far-right on the rise in the Iberian peninsula?
February 23, 2022 18:31 - 26 minutes VideoThe rise of the far-right has gripped the political landscape in many European countries. The Iberian Peninsula has for the most part seen off any challenges. But support for far-right political parties in Portugal and Spain is gaining momentum. So why is the far-right on the rise in the Iberian peninsula?
UKRAINE: A SPLIT IN THE WESTERN ALLIANCE
February 09, 2022 21:30 - 26 minutes VideoRussia versus the West - is it as simple as that? With fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Union is divided and the US is sending mixed signals over what sort of response would deter the Kremlin. GUESTS: Andrij Dobriansky Chair of UN Affairs at the Ukrainian World Congress Gustav Gresse European Council on Foreign Relations Robert Brinkley Ukraine Forum at Chatham House Roundtable is a discussion program with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by David F...
Why isn't BRITISH SLEAZE called out for what it is?
February 09, 2022 21:14 - 26 minutes VideoDESCRIPTION: The City of London has long stood accused of laundering billions of dollars in illicit money. The government estimates 135 billion dollars of corrupt money flowed into the UK in 2016 alone. But it’s not just Russian money that is corrupting politics. Members of Parliaments have second jobs and act as consultants. Providing they declare their activities they are considered to have broken no rules. GUESTS: Gabriel Apata Doctor of Philosophy Elizabeth David-Barrett University...
Why Mali kicked out France's Ambassador?
February 09, 2022 14:33 - 26 minutes VideoMali threw out the French ambassador, as tensions escalated between France and its former colony over a coup last year. France has been demanding countries in the Sahel take responsibility for their own security. For its part, Mali blames France for failing to tackle militancy in the region. Could France accelerate its drawdown of troops?
SHOULD CELEBRITIES KEEP OUT OF POLITICS?
February 04, 2022 10:50 - 26 minutes VideoHarry Potter star Emma Watson expressed solidarity towards the Palestinian cause on a social media and has since faced a furious backlash from Israeli officials. Does celebrity activism raise awareness? Or is it a big turn off that causes more harm than good?
Europe’s energy crisis
February 02, 2022 23:49 - 26 minutes VideoWith the coldest two months of the winter probably still to come, Europe’s gas supplies are running dangerously low. And things could get worse, should Russia invade Ukraine - if that happens, does Europe have the stomach to impose sanctions on Moscow in the knowledge that supplies could be cut further in retaliation? GUESTS: Wael Makarem Senior Market Strategist Samuel Ramani Researcher in International Relations at University of Oxford Thomas O'Donnell Geopolitics Analyst at the Hertie...
WILL ELON MUSK DOMINATE SPACE?
February 02, 2022 23:40 - 26 minutes VideoWho’s the latest space invader? Looks like it’s the world’s richest man Elon Musk, who’s said to be crowding out the competition and writing the rules for the space economy. GUESTS Holger Krag Head of the ESA Space Safety Programme Svetla Ben-Itzhak Assistant Professor of Space and International Relations at the US Space Force, Air University Michael Byers Co-director of the Outer Space Institute Roundtable is a discussion program with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by ...
Can Johnson Hold Onto Power?
January 27, 2022 18:23 - 24 minutes VideoDESCRIPTION: The political gambler, the liar, the incredible escape artist. Which Boris Johnson are we seeing as the UK Prime Minister faces the biggest challenges of his Premiership? GUESTS: Ivor Gaber Professor of Political Journalism Ben Harris-Quinney Chairman at the Bow Group Lord Clive Soley Former Labour MP Roundtable is a discussion program with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by David Foster, it's about bringing people to the table, listening to every opinion, ...
Will France’s EU presidency change Europe?
January 24, 2022 17:43 - 25 minutes VideoDESCRIPTION: France has taken over the presidency of the European Union, but it’s ambitious plans for a sovereign Europe could be undone by the pandemic and elections in April. While there has been push back in Eastern European capitals… he does have the backing of its powerful neighbour, Germany. GUESTS: Anne-Elisabeth Moutet French Journalist Philippe Marliere Professor of French & European politics at UCL Shada Islam EU commentator Roundtable is a discussion program with an edge. ...
HOW HAS THE UK CHANGED AFTER BREXIT?
January 24, 2022 13:40 - 26 minutes Video‘Get Brexit Done’ was the slogan the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson used to win the general election in 2019. He also promised to ‘unleash Britain’s potential’ but did he manage to deliver on his promise? Guests: Matt Withers Journalist at The New European David Henig UK Trade Policy Project, Director John Curtice British Political Scientist Roundtable is a discussion program with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by David Foster, it's about bringing people to the tabl...
Why is the UK's Nationality and Border Bill so controversial?
January 14, 2022 19:51 - 26 minutes VideoA new law going through the British parliament could create a two-tier class of citizenship, giving powers to the Home Secretary to strip some -- mostly immigrants -- of their nationality with little opportunity to challenge the decision. GUESTS: Steve Valdez-Symonds Amnesty International Shoaib Khan Human Rights Lawyer Dr. Emilie McDonnell Human Rights Watch Roundtable is a discussion program with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by David Foster, it's about bringing peop...
Italy’s Presidential elections: Will Draghi run?
January 13, 2022 16:39 - 26 minutes VideoWill the man who saved the euro; and brought stability to Italy’s political scene, step down as prime minister and try to become President?
UKRAINE: FATE in the hands of Washington & Moscow
January 06, 2022 12:26 - 26 minutes VideoWar with Ukraine? Russia has amassed military equipment and an estimated 100,000 combat-ready troops within striking distance of the Ukrainian border. Will the West stand by Ukraine against Vladimir Putin? GUESTS Katharine Quinn-Judge Consulting Senior Analyst on Ukraine at Crisis Group William Bill Taylor Former US ambassador to Ukraine Alexandra Fillipenko Senior Research Fellow Russian Academy of Science Roundtable is a discussion program with an edge. Broadcast out of London and pres...
GERMANY: Who is Olaf Scholz?
December 16, 2021 14:22 - 26 minutes VideoOn the campaign trail, his pitch for the chancellorship was built around the idea of reunifying German society, particularly for the left-behind and the less well-off, including a plan to raise the minimum wage. So, what makes Olaf Scholz tick? And what will define him, holding together a coalition at home or tensions on Europe’s eastern border? Guest Straps Alim Baluch Lecturer at University of Bath LOCATION: BATH, UK Ursula Munch Director of the Academy for Political Education LOCATION...
GERMANY: What are the coalition plans?
December 15, 2021 15:03 - 26 minutes VideoWhat is Germany going to look like with a new leader and a liberal coalition? The powerhouse of Europe faces rising inflation, a spluttering economy - and yet the new government is setting the most ambitious targets in Europe when it comes to climate change.
Sudan Crisis : How can Europe help?
December 09, 2021 20:01 - 26 minutes VideoApart from saying that it condemned a violent crackdown on protesters in Sudan following October’s military coup the European Union has been noticeably silent on events in that country. It did suggest there “might” be sanctions, but since then, why has nothing else been done? Sudan’s been suspended from The African Union, the World Bank has ended financial help to Sudan and the US has cut its $700 bn emergency assistance package. What options are there for Europe to put pressure on the coun...
Are EU states on the path to normalisation with the Assad regime?
December 09, 2021 18:42 - 26 minutes VideoThe man who led his country into a war that’s lasted almost eleven years and cost upwards of half a million lives is making friends again - and some of those are at the heart of Europe. Guests: Andreas Krieg Assistant Professor at King’s College London Ali Bakeer Political Analyst Giorgio Cafiero CEO of Gulf State Analytics Roundtable is a discussion program with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by David Foster, it's about bringing people to the table, listening to eve...
Nuclear Energy: Dividing the EU Club?
December 07, 2021 17:18 - 24 minutes VideoFrance gets most of its power from nuclear fuel, while Germany plans to shut down its last reactors next year. How can nuclear fuel help towards net zero, how safe is it and what will a decision either way mean for the European Union?
Is Belarus weaponising migrants?
November 12, 2021 17:27 - 26 minutes VideoThe EU accuses Belarusian government of retaliating against sanctions by allowing migrants to cross into Europe via Belarus. Is Belarus weaponising migrants and what has been the response of neighbouring countries? But first, we look at the rebranding of the most popular social media site in the world. Facebook with 2.85 billion monthly active users - is now called Meta. Can the oldest social media giant really rebrand itself? Guests: Leon Emirali Communications adviser Jonathan A J Wils...
Victor Orban: Could he be removed from power?
November 04, 2021 18:00 - 26 minutes VideoThe man who’s led Hungary for more than a decade is calling for a new right-wing anti-EU alliance - and he’s accused the bloc, alongside the US, of trying to influence next year’s elections and have him removed from power. GUESTS: Andras Laszlo Adviser to Fidesz Party Thomas Lorman UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies Denis Mac Shane Former UK Minister for Europe
How will young people impact COP26?
November 04, 2021 12:04 - 26 minutes Video60% of young people are worried about climate change. Across the globe young people are protesting against this crisis, and engaging with climate science and policy in a way that previous generations have not. Could young people be the answer - to gaining climate justice? Guests: Amber Nuttall Environmental Activist Rhiannon Osborne Youth Climate Justice Advocate Paul Drummond Institute for Sustainable Resources Anna Pigott Lecturer in Human Geography at Swansea University
Why are Covid-19 cases rising in Europe?
November 03, 2021 11:40 - 26 minutes VideoCovid restrictions and lockdowns are on the rise in Europe, with the continent now accounting for more than half of all new cases worldwide. And it’s a rapid rise, 60 pc up in August and September. Eastern Europe and Russia have been particularly badly hit. So why is it so severe there and what can be done to stop the surge? GUESTS: Oksana Pyzik Global Health Adviser Ann Marie Kimball Epidemiologist Kathleen Depoorter Member of Belgian Federal Parliament Roundtable is a discussion progr...
Will Europe give more vaccines to Africa?
November 03, 2021 11:34 - 25 minutes VideoWith many countries crowing about their high Covid vaccination rates, take a moment to consider this - Africa has used 80 per cent of the vaccines it has, yet only five percent of Africans have been fully inoculated. Which means quite simply Africa just isn’t getting enough doses. Who’s to blame? Well big pharmaceutical companies are reluctant to allow others to make vaccines using their know-how - reluctant to waive the rights they have under patent protection. Can that be changed? And by t...
EUROPE ENERGY CRISIS: Will Europe move to Green energy?
November 03, 2021 10:00 - 26 minutes VideoWe’ve all heard the warnings about what will happen if the world doesn’t go green quickly enough - there could be no world tomorrow. But there’s a price to be paid right now/ pain to be felt as the prices of gas and oil rocket and there just isn’t enough renewable energy to fill the void. GUESTS Arjun Flora Europe's Director of Energy Finance Studies Tara Connolly Senior Gas Campaigner at Global Witness Koen Locquet Vice President at Council of European Energy Regulators Roundtable is a d...
RUSSIA: Weaponising European energy?
October 29, 2021 17:19 - 26 minutes VideoYes, Russia isn’t supplying as much as it used to, with the suggestion that energy is being used here as for blackmail purposes. President Putin says it definitely isn’t. So what will it take to keep Europe warm as the colder months arrive? Demand fell during the peak of the pandemic, now it’s increasing and not enough gas has been stored for the better days to come. Where does the blame lie and what can be done to fix what could be a life-or-death problem for some?
Norway election aftermath: Climate change shift?
October 29, 2021 16:25 - 26 minutes VideoNorway’s left-wing opposition has ended the centre-right's eight year tenure in Norway after a campaign dominated by the future of the oil industry. But the question remains - can the country move away from its oil-based economy? GUESTS: Lars-Henrik Michelsen Director of the Norwegian Climate Foundation Espen Moe Professor of Political Science Havard Halland Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Roundtable is a discussion program with an edge. Broadcast out of London a...
Will Poland leave the EU?
October 29, 2021 15:54 - 25 minutes VideoPoland likes being in the club, but doesn’t like some of the rules - the club in question being the European Union. And the rules in question concern which has supremacy - EU law or Polish law? GUESTS: Peter Van Elsuwege Professor of EU law at Ghent University Barbara Grabowska Moroz Research fellow at CEU Democracy Institute Kamil Jaronczyk Managing Editor at Visegrad Insight Roundtable is a discussion program with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by David Foster, it's abo...