The Rest Is Politics 494. Carney’s Trump Fightback and the Starmer-Burnham Fallout
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Jan 28, 2026 They debate whether middle powers can escape US and Chinese dominance and what a new global order might look like. They unpack Mark Carney's rupture thesis and practical plans for energy, defense and de-risking UK reliance. They dissect the politics around Andy Burnham being blocked, internal party loyalty versus ambition, and what Starmer’s management style means for his leadership.
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Davos As A Geopolitical Turning Point
- Davos marked a potential geopolitical rupture where middle powers may need to build alternatives to US-led order.
- Mark Carney framed the moment as 'a rupture not a transition', pushing states to rethink dependence on the US.
Plan To De‑Risk From US Dependencies
- The UK must start a realistic NSC-led plan to de-risk dependencies on the US across intelligence, nuclear, and procurement.
- Rory Stewart argues this requires 5–10 year planning, honest costings and political willingness to spend more.
Travel And Build Diplomatic Coalitions
- Do invest diplomatic time and resources: leaders must travel and build coalitions to show leadership abroad.
- Mark Carney and Alastair Campbell stressed that active engagement now is where modern leadership lies.
