Isabel Hilton

Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue and expert on international affairs, joins Philippe Marlier, a professor of European politics, to discuss Trump's provocative threats against Greenland. They analyze Europe's alarm over these moves and the implications for NATO. The conversation also dives into China's concerns regarding U.S. actions in Venezuela and its broader diplomatic stakes in the region. They further explore the complexities of electoral politics in Europe, from Italy's reforms to the shortcomings of the UK's first-past-the-post system, all while touching on South Korea's new public health initiatives against baldness.

Last year China's population fell for the first time in 60 years with the national birth rate hitting a record low. China's birth rate has in fact been declining for years but an older population will pose a real challenge for China economically, politically and strategically. So, what will the consequences be for China and the rest of the world if this vast economy - the second largest in the world – of a waning workforce and an ageing population? The ruling Communist Party is introducing a range of policies to try to encourage couples to have more babies. But it was only seven years ago that the Chinese government scrapped the controversial one-child policy, replacing it with the two-child policy in 2016 and the three-child policy in 2021. The government is also offering tax breaks and better maternal healthcare, among other incentives, in an effort to reverse, or at least slow, the falling birth rate. Nothing so far has worked. So how concerning is population decline for China and the rest of the world? How much of an issue is gender inequality and the cost of raising a child? What will an older, frailer population do to the Chinese economy? And, as climate change intensifies, is population decline really a problem? Chris Morris is joined by: Yun Zhou - a social demographer, family sociologist and an assistant professor at the University of Michigan. Isabel Hilton – a journalist and founder of the bilingual website China Dialogue - an organisation dedicated to promoting a common understanding of China’s environmental challenges. Yasheng Huang - professor of global economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and author of the forthcoming book on China, The Rise and the Fall of the EAST. Also featuring: Victor Gao - Vice President of the Beijing-based Centre for China and Globalisation, a think tank with links to the Chinese Communist Party.Producer: Pandita Lorenz and Ellen Otzen(Photo: China's Sichuan province shifts birth control policies, Shanghai, 31 Jan 2023. Credit: Alex Plavevski/EPA-EFE/Rex/Shutterstock)

Isabel Hilton, a journalist specializing in international affairs and China, joins political commentator Somnath Batabial and Monocle founder Tyler Brûlé to discuss Europe's potential trade tactics against US tariffs over Greenland. They explore the geopolitical implications, including Denmark’s sovereignty and local reactions in Nuuk. The panel also tackles Trump’s controversial Gaza governance proposal, questioning its legitimacy due to Palestinian exclusion. Additionally, they highlight the surge in gold stockpiling as a response to dollar instability.

Isabel Hilton, an expert on geopolitics and climate change, teams up with David Bodanis, a historian and leadership commentator, to discuss Italy's upcoming citizenship referendum and its implications for immigration and economic support. Ed Stocker, reporting from Milan, highlights Italy's low voter turnout and governmental indifference, while Lars Bevanger shares insights on Norway’s football revival after a thrilling match against Italy and the quirky sport of 'death diving.' Politics, culture, and international relations are engagingly unpacked throughout the conversation.

Gabrielius Landsbergus, former Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, joins Times columnist Edward Lucas and China Dialogue founder Isabel Hilton for a deep dive into the shifting global landscape. They discuss the U.S.'s retreat from its traditional role, prompting Europe to reconsider its defense mechanisms and ambitions. The conversation also touches on China's approach to global influence, emphasizing its different relationship dynamics compared to Western alliances. Together, they explore who might step in to fill the leadership void left by the U.S.

Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue and King's College visiting professor, offers sharp commentary on Asia's energy exposure and geopolitics. Nadine Batchelor-Hunt, political reporter, breaks down UK energy policy, travel disruption and domestic political fallout. They discuss rising energy prices, government responses, airport chaos and geopolitical flashpoints in short, lively exchanges.

Mark Leonard, director and author on geopolitics, warns the rules-based order is fracturing. Isabel Hilton, China analyst and professor, explores Beijing’s energy and strategic moves. Kurt Volker, former NATO ambassador, discusses transatlantic strategy and NATO strains. Oleksiy Gonchorenko, Ukrainian MP from Odesa, explains how the Iran conflict reshapes Ukraine’s security and Western support.

Isabel Hilton, founder of China Dialogue and King's College visiting professor, and Yossi Mekelberg, Chatham House MENA analyst, dig into Trump's new Board of Peace and its implications. They also debate tense US-Iran diplomacy, Venezuela’s diplomatic shift, and how food, sport and soft power shape international relations.

Cindy Yu, Times columnist on UK–China diplomacy, and Isabel Hilton, longtime China watcher and founder of China Dialogue Trust, discuss Keir Starmer’s Beijing visit. They explore diplomatic signalling, security concerns and espionage stories. They debate China’s global ambitions, whether it seeks to police the world, and how smaller powers should navigate trade, red lines and pragmatic engagement.

Tom Miller, a senior analyst at Gavekal Research, Isabel Hilton, a veteran international reporter and founder of China Dialogue, and Austin Williams, an architect and academic, dive into China's current challenges. They discuss the economic slowdown, youth unemployment, and perceptions of decline. The panel explores urbanization, advancements in technology, and the Belt and Road Initiative's evolution. They also touch on issues of national identity, surveillance, and the balance of optimism amid political changes, providing a nuanced view of China's future.