The Two Matts

They debate whether a royal US state visit would help or be politicised amid recent rhetoric. They consider if a future referendum on EU membership would be better run than 2016. They wrestle with whether artists’ politics should affect how we enjoy their work. They probe the chances and consequences of the US withdrawing from NATO. They trace why Italy’s football has declined.

A heated clash over NASA’s Artemis 2 launch spirals into a full-blown space war of words. They debate private firms versus public missions and whether humans or machines should land on the Moon. The conversation shifts to Trump’s rhetoric on Iran, rising religious influence in US politics, and how global turmoil might nudge the UK closer to Europe.

They debate their campaign to stop Reform from governing and the specific democratic risks they fear. They assess Trump’s strategy in the Iran conflict and whether the US can recover. They weigh how to confront anti-Muslim sentiment in public debate. They discuss why many Scottish MSPs are quitting. They argue whether old comedy should be preserved or removed.

They open with a war update and analyse possible US moves in the Gulf and the global risks of escalation. They explore how Britain might return to the EU, debating what membership would look like, leverage in negotiations, freedom of movement and the political timing that could make it happen sooner than expected.

A wide-ranging discussion on the theatrical nature of modern warfare and how media shapes perceptions of conflict. They probe market volatility after sudden de-escalation claims and Trump's attention-seeking foreign policy. They examine risks of military postures that invite escalation and debate why authorities hesitate to label certain violent acts as terrorism. A call to watch unfamiliar news sources rounds out the talk.

The Matts answer listeners' questions including whether or not Donald Trump has lost control of the war in Iran, why the BBC isn't covering The New World’s GB News investigation, how Tony Blair can still believe war in Iraq was right, whether we have learned nothing from Covid, if Angela Rayner is the next PM and how to keep sane in a world of dreadful news. Enjoy!Produced by Matt WithersOFFER: Get The New World for just £1 for the first month. Head to https://www.thenewworld.co.uk/2matts/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan Rusbridger, former editor of The Guardian and editor-at-large of The New World, brings decades of investigative experience. He discusses The New World’s probe into GB News’ breaches of impartiality rules. They dig into Ofcom’s shifting enforcement, GB News’ partisan strategy and hires, and the broader stakes for regulated broadcast versus online platforms.

They tackle accusations of hypocrisy around expatriate commentators in Dubai and the ethics of public criticism. They debate whether this is Asia’s century, covering China’s strategy, demographics and tech. Geopolitics, AI and climate-driven contests over Siberia get sharp attention. They also weigh the future of a major national paper and make lively Oscar picks.

A brisk run through the Mandelson report and whether it further damages Keir Starmer’s standing. A look at polling shocks that suggest a tight four-way race and the pitfalls of first-past-the-post. A deep dive into the Iran conflict’s early economic and naval consequences and how drones and asymmetric tactics are reshaping warfare. Debate over a high-profile protest ban and its political risks.

They debate the chaotic first days of Operation Epic Fury and whether the campaign is already unraveling. They explore Iran’s new supreme leader and how personal losses could harden Tehran’s stance. They flag economic fallout from oil shocks and market turmoil. They weigh a possible US‑Israel strategic split and probe the idea of a rising political dynasty shaping global policy.