Best of the Spectator

Freddy Gray chats with Joshua Trevino, a political analyst and Chief Transformation Officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, who dives into the intricacies of Latin American narco-states. They explore how U.S. withdrawal paved the way for cartels and discuss potential military targets, including Mexico and Cuba. Trevino highlights Marco Rubio's influence, the resilience of Colombia's civil society, and the historical lessons of U.S. interventions. The conversation also touches on the geopolitical implications of China's rising presence in the region.

In a riveting discussion, the hosts dive into Donald Trump’s audacious raid on Venezuela, exploring its implications for power dynamics and national interests. They debate if this move was rogue or just typical state behavior. The controversy surrounding the Chagos Islands raises questions about Britain’s foreign policy and national credence. They also tackle police handling of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans and the growing societal impact of weight-loss drugs, considering what might happen as prices drop.

Paul Goodman, a Conservative peer and former editor of ConservativeHome, shares insights on Kemi Badenoch's recent political performance. William Atkinson, a Spectator writer, highlights her improved media skills and PMQ effectiveness while cautioning about potential long-term brand damage. Lara Brown, fellow commentator, points out that despite Kemi's growth, the party faces deeper issues influencing polling. The panel debates whether recent improvements lessen the case for leadership change before upcoming local elections.

Cosmo Landesman, a provocative writer, argues that life is too short for boring shows, sharing his personal experiences of walking out and the moral freedom it brings. Alex Diggins explores the striking Antony Gormley installation at the Bukhara Biennale, discussing Uzbekistan's cultural renaissance and its implications for art diplomacy. Lucy Dunn dives into the rise of Buzzballs, the popular party drink, while Richard Bratby critiques a lively student production of L'amour des Trois Oranges and highlights the pitfalls in Ariodante's execution.

Jacob Heilbrunn, editor of The National Interest, shares keen insights on the recent U.S. military operations in Venezuela and the implications of detaining Nicolás Maduro. He analyzes Trump's America First doctrine, discussing the strategic motivations behind targeting Venezuela’s substantial oil reserves and the potential regional backlash. The conversation unveils the delicate balance of power between the U.S., China, and Russia, while warning of the risks of entanglement in counterinsurgency. Lastly, Heilbrunn predicts the future leadership landscape in Venezuela.

Join a deep dive into the shifting tides of UK politics as polling expert Sir John Curtice analyzes recent seismic changes. Discover how Reform UK's rise challenges the traditional Conservative-Labour duopoly, revealing the growing significance of the Greens. Explore the decline of major party support, driven by fragmentation and evolving voter identities. Curtice discusses cultural divides, the impact of leadership unpopularity, and the UK's potential shift to a multiparty landscape. Insights into regional dynamics in Scotland, Wales, and England add a layer of intrigue.

Rupert Hawksley, Opinion editor and co-author of 'The Boring Twenties', shares insights on the cultural stagnation of the current decade, driven by the high cost of living. Michael Simmons, Economics editor, highlights the worrying trends of population decline and its implications. Philip Hensher, author and academic, critiques the monetization of leisure activities and discusses the generational gap in theatre audiences. The panel also humorously debates theatre etiquette and explores quirky alternatives like speakeasies and trendy BuzzBallz drinks.

Dominic Cummings, former chief advisor to Boris Johnson, reveals his unfiltered thoughts on the current state of British politics. He discusses the ‘pre-revolutionary’ mood among voters, citing voter rage and disillusionment with government promises. Cummings critiques the Conservative Party as 'completely dead' and addresses the failures of major institutions. He highlights the impact of economic stagnation, the cost-of-living crisis, and speculates on Nigel Farage's chances of mounting a serious political challenge. His insights provide a compelling reflection on the urgent need for change.

Philip Hensher, a prominent book reviewer and novelist, joins to explore the standout literary gems of 2025. He praises Tashall’s "The South" and discusses Mick Herron’s gripping narratives. The conversation dives into engaging experimental novels and critiques Dan Brown’s page-turning thrillers. They also analyze trends in literary biography, new scholarship on ancient history, and a resurgence of horror among young writers. Hensher emphasizes the importance of urban nature writing, making for a fascinating literary discourse.

Dominic Cummings opens up about his time in government, sharing reflections on Brexit and the challenges facing Westminster. He reveals the secretive processes within Whitehall and discusses why planned reforms faltered under Boris Johnson. The conversation takes a sharp turn as political tactics and personal attacks are exchanged, including candid thoughts on Michael Gove's potential as prime minister. Expect a deep dive into the dilemmas that have hindered progress and the changes Cummings believes are necessary for the nation's future.