Julie Norman

Yossi Mekelberg, Middle East security expert at Chatham House, and Julie Norman, UCL politics scholar, discuss Iran-US tensions, back-channel talks and missile campaigns. They examine risks to the Strait of Hormuz, military options like Har Island, divergent US and Israeli aims, and the escalating violence and settler attacks in Gaza and the West Bank.

Lori Calvasina, Chief US Equity Strategist at RBC Capital Markets, shares her revised outlook on US equities, reflecting a drop in GDP targets and a predicted 10% upside for the S&P 500. Mike Green, Chief Investment Strategist at Simplify Asset Management, discusses navigating equity market corrections and the growing trend of investors leaning toward active management. Julia Coronado, founder of MacroPolicy Perspectives, addresses how tariff uncertainties could slow the US economy, while Julie Norman, a terrorism expert, highlights evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.

Quentin Peel, former foreign editor of the Financial Times, discusses the enduring strategies of Vladimir Putin in Ukraine. Yossi Meckleberg, a senior fellow at Chatham House, highlights Israel's ambiguous military aims in Gaza and strategic challenges in the region. Julie Norman, an expert on international relations, emphasizes the resilience of Ukraine amidst shifting diplomatic landscapes and the humanitarian crises in Sudan. The panel also delves into Europe's evolving defense strategies while unpacking the unpredictable landscape of global politics under a potential second Trump term.

Yossi Mekelberg, a Senior Consulting Fellow at Chatham House, and Julie Norman, an Associate Professor at UCL, delve into the tenuous state of Gaza following a ceasefire. They explore potential long-term solutions, like a confederation model, that could offer a pragmatic alternative to the two-state solution. The discussion also highlights the risks of temporary arrangements solidifying into permanent divides. Rose George joins in to spotlight the global fishing industry's environmental challenges and our complex relationship with seafood.

In this discussion, political expert Julie Norman explores the risks of U.S. military action in Iran, emphasizing the potential costs for protesters. Yossi Mecklberg adds insight into Iran’s possible retaliation tactics, including Gulf disruptions and strikes on Israel. They analyze non-military options for Washington, such as cyberattacks and strategic partnerships. The conversation also touches on the resurgence of protectionism, trade realignments, and the implications of a potential EU-India free trade agreement, all while considering the historical dynamics of the region.

Alexander Gerlach, NYU political philosopher who analyses geopolitics and trade. Julie Norman, UCL lecturer on international relations and policy. They discuss Friedrich Merz’s Beijing visit and Germany’s trade deficit with China. They weigh Europe’s leverage over Beijing and why Western leaders are hedging against US unpredictability. They also debate China’s ties with Russia and regional security risks.

Julie Norman, UCL politics scholar on Gaza and the Rafah crossing. Karsten Brzezki, ING macro chief on Germany’s transport strike and economic strain. Ewan Potts, Bloomberg markets reporter on the metals sell-off and Fed implications. Fernando Augusto Pacheco, Monocle culture correspondent on the Grammys and a lackluster Melania documentary. They discuss Rafah’s tight reopening, strike disruption, market reactions to Fed moves, and cultural headlines.

In this lively discussion, Quentin Peel, a former Financial Times foreign editor, Yossi Meckelberg, a Middle East expert from Chatham House, and Julie Norman, an international relations professor at UCL, delve into the geopolitical landscape of 2026. They explore whether the Ukraine conflict will conclude, analyze US midterm dynamics, and assess China's intentions towards Taiwan. The panel also contemplates the prospects for Palestinian statehood, potential Middle East realignments, and the risks posed by AI. Each guest shares their hopes and fears for the upcoming year, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.

Julie Norman, an Associate Professor at UCL and co-author of 'Gaza, The Dream and the Nightmare', teams up with seasoned journalist Jonathan Fenby to tackle pressing global issues. They dissect the US seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, analyzing its geopolitical ramifications and historical context. The conversation also shifts to the implications of proposed social media screenings for US visitors and whether elections can occur during wartime in Ukraine, with both guests questioning the practicality and potential fallout of such actions.

Julie Norman, a Politics and International Relations professor at UCL, dives into the recent Iran-Israel ceasefire, heavily influenced by Trump's diplomacy. She discusses its immediate violations and the complexities surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions. The conversation also explores Israel’s political climate and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of U.S. involvement. Ultimately, they grapple with whether this fragile truce could lead to genuine peace or remain just a temporary pause in ongoing tensions.