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Rafael Behr

Political columnist and commentator offering analysis on UK foreign policy and the implications of US actions toward Iran; provides the episode's expert perspective.

Top 10 podcasts with Rafael Behr

Ranked by the Snipd community
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18 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 26min

Starmer, Trump and the shaky ‘special relationship’

Rafael Behr, political columnist and commentator on UK foreign policy, analyzes the fallout from US strikes on Iran. He dissects Starmer’s cautious legal stance, the shift from denying bases to allowing defensive use, and how dependence on the US shapes decisions. He also compares European responses and warns about mission creep and political costs.
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14 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 46min

The Year of the Wars – Start Your Week with Rafael Behr and Jacob Jarvis

Rafael Behr, a seasoned Guardian columnist and political commentator, joins Jacob Jarvis to dissect the current geopolitical turmoil. They delve into Trump's controversial interventions in Venezuela, exploring the mix of oil interests, theatrical politics, and the implications for other global powers. Behr critiques Keir Starmer's cautious political maneuvering and speculates on its consequences for Labour. The conversation also touches on the grim stalemate in Gaza and offers a glimmer of hope for upcoming electoral shifts in 2026.
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11 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 34min

Trump, Iran and a world on the brink – Start Your Week with Rafael Behr

Rafael Behr, Guardian columnist and political commentator, unpacks US strikes on Iran and the risky timing behind them. He explores succession chaos in Iran, humanitarian and Gulf-region fallout, and how Russia and China are positioning themselves. He also covers UK political consequences, including Labour’s electoral tensions and tactical dilemmas.
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10 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 31min

How dangerous are Labour’s asylum plans?

Gaby Hinsliff, a Guardian columnist and keen observer of Labour, joins Rafael Behr, also from the Guardian, to dissect controversial asylum plans proposed by Shabana Mahmood. They discuss the outrage from Labour MPs, potential policy changes, and the implications of Labour adopting tougher rhetoric on immigration. The conversation explores whether these measures will increase hostility or genuinely address concerns, alongside the political risks for Keir Starmer's leadership amidst mixed party reactions.
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6 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 39min

Debacle in Davos –  Weekly Wrap-Up with Rafael Behr and Andrew Harrison

Rafael Behr, an insightful opinion columnist at The Guardian, joins Andrew Harrison to dissect the chaos unfolding at the World Economic Forum. They analyze Trump's unpredictable antics and their implications for NATO, while pondering the curious case of a broom-wielding Austrian cow. The duo also critiques the Beckham family's public drama and humorously debates the possibility of Elon Musk owning RyanAir. With sharp commentary and astute observations, they navigate a week filled with political intrigue and celebrity gossip.
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5 snips
Sep 12, 2024 • 32min

Winter fuel allowance cut: who voted for this? – Politics Weekly UK

Caroline Abrahams from Age UK sheds light on the serious implications of the winter fuel allowance cuts for 2.5 million vulnerable seniors, discussing health risks and financial instability. Rafael Behr analyzes internal tensions within the Labour Party, questioning whether leaders are straying from party ideals. The conversation touches on the disconnect between political strategies, voter priorities, and the rising frustrations that could lead to populism. Together, they explore how these issues unfold amid the government's challenging narrative on policy.
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Mar 6, 2026 • 1h 6min

The Special Abusive Relationship – Starmer trapped in Trump’s Iran Nightmare

Rafael Behr, political columnist and author; Marie Le Conte, writer and cultural commentator; Jonn Elledge, political commentator. They dissect Trump’s Iran strikes and how Starmer navigates a fraught UK‑US relationship. They debate right‑wing press fervour, limited British agency in foreign policy, the Greens’ by‑election shock and what it means for Labour and the legacy parties.
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Feb 26, 2026 • 29min

The absolute State of the Union – Weekly Wrap-Up with Rafael Behr and Jacob Jarvis

Rafael Behr, Guardian leader writer known for sharp political analysis, joins to dissect Trump’s record-length State of the Union and its performative authoritarian theatrics. They also unpack hacked robot vacuums and wider AI security risks. Discussion touches on looming SEND reforms in the UK and a quiet but worrying update from North Korea.
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Feb 9, 2026 • 40min

Morgan McSweeney: So gone, what now? – Emergencycast!

Rafael Behr, Guardian columnist and UK politics commentator, breaks down the fallout from Morgan McSweeney’s departure and what it means for Keir Starmer. Short takes on communication shakeups, loyalty and resentment within the parliamentary party. Quick sketches of possible timelines, replacement contenders and a caution about a chaotic future for Labour.
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Feb 2, 2026 • 31min

Epstein and Andrew: When will this end? — Start Your Week with Rafael Behr and Jacob Jarvis

Rafael Behr, a columnist and political commentator, analyzes the fallout from fresh Epstein-related revelations and their impact on high-profile figures. He discusses the new images, how reputations and institutions are damaged, and why elites were drawn into Epstein’s orbit. He also covers political resignations and the wider implications for party leaders and diplomacy.

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