The Bunker – News without the nonsense

This summer, Britain’s streets have boiled with right-wing anger. From flag debates to ‘patriotic’ rallies, the far right is trying to turn frustration into a movement. But it’s not the first time the far right has tried to muscle its way into British politics. Today on The Bunker, Gavin Esler is joined by Dr. Aaron Edwards, Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Leicester, to explore how Britain’s far right past is shaping its turbulent present, and why this time things could end very differently.  Head to nakedwines.co.uk/thebunker to get 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included. • We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to https://indeed.com/bunker for £100 sponsored credit.   www.patreon.com/bunkercast  Follow us on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/bunkerpod.bsky.social  Advertisers! Want to reach smart, engaged, influential people with money to spend? (Yes, they do exist). Some 3.5 MILLION people download and watch our podcasts every month – and they love our shows. Why not get YOUR brand in front of our influential listeners with podcast advertising? Contact ads@podmasters.co.uk to find out more Written and presented by Gavin Esler. Producer: Liam Tait. Audio editor: Robin Leeburn. Managing editor: Jacob Jarvis. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Julia Ioffe, a journalist and author of "Motherland: A Feminist History of Modern Russia," explores the evolution of women's roles in Russia from revolutionary ideals to today’s conservative climate. She shares personal anecdotes from her Soviet childhood and examines the experiences of pioneering Bolshevik feminists, contrasting them with modern figures like Raisa Gorbacheva. Ioffe also discusses Putin's influence on gender dynamics and highlights contemporary female activists, offering insights into the complexities of femininity and power in Russia today.

Rajeev Syal, home affairs editor at The Guardian, dives into the rise of Shabana Mahmood, the Labour party's emerging star. They discuss her groundbreaking conference speech, reframing immigration through a lens of belonging rather than nationalism. Syal outlines Mahmood’s early political instincts, her toughened stance on citizenship, and challenges ahead with small boat crossings. He considers her potential as a leader, noting her cross-party appeal and likability. With her unique background, Mahmood might just be navigating a path toward future leadership in Labour.

In a compelling discussion, guest Jeffrey Prescott, a former U.S. ambassador to UN agencies and a scholar at the Carnegie Endowment, explores China’s assertive global rise as the U.S. steps back. He highlights how Trump's isolationist policies create a vacuum that China eagerly fills, rallying allies like Russia and India. Prescott warns of the risks of U.S. withdrawal and contrasts China’s long-term strategies with Trump’s short-term focus, emphasizing the importance of sustained U.S. engagement for global stability.

Ceasefire talks in Gaza are on the agenda, with skepticism about their longevity. The podcast dives into the implications of a possible US government shutdown and the ongoing Chinese spying scandal. In a surprising twist, protests in Portland take a humorous turn with residents donning inflatable frog costumes. They also share insights on potential market crashes and reflect on the complexities of political influence from Russia and the challenges facing France's government. Expect a mix of serious analysis and unexpected humor!

Cynthia Miller-Idriss, a sociologist and author of *Man Up: The New Misogyny and the Rise of Violent Extremism*, explores the dark intersection of misogyny and extremism with Emma Kennedy. They discuss how online platforms amplify toxic masculinity and link it to real-world violence, including mass shootings. Cynthia uncovers troubling trends in gendered violence overlooked by security agencies and highlights how misogyny polices societal roles. Finally, she emphasizes that empowering women can significantly counteract political violence.

Thought viceroys and colonial administrators were a thing of the past? Tony Blair is being lined up to run the “Board of Peace” for a reconstruction authority for post-conflict Gaza and observers are agog. Historian and Bunker regular Alex von Tunzelmann takes us on a tour of the inglorious history of viceregal rule. Where did the role come from? Was it ever a particularly efficient way to run a country you probably shouldn’t have been in anyway? And what cautionary tales should Blair learn from cases as diverse as the Raj, post-Saddam Iraq and Paddy Ashdown’s control of Bosnia?  • Buy Indian Summer: The Secret History of the End of an Empire by Alex von Tunzelmann through our affiliate bookshop and you’ll help fund The Bunker by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org’s fees help support independent bookshops too. • Support us on Patreon for early episodes and more. • Head to nakedwines.co.uk/thebunker to get 6 top-rated wines from our sponsor Naked Wines for £39.99, delivery included. • We are sponsored by Indeed. Go to indeed.com/bunker to get your £100 sponsored credit. • Advertisers! Want to reach smart, engaged, influential people with money to spend? (Yes, they do exist). Some 3.5 MILLION people download and watch our podcasts every month – and they love our shows. Why not get YOUR brand in front of our influential listeners with podcast advertising? Contact ads@podmasters.co.uk to find out more. Written and presented by Andrew Harrison. Audio production by Robin Leeburn. Produced by Liam Tait. Music by Kenny Dickinson. Art by Jim Parrett. Managing Editor Jacob Jarvis. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. THE BUNKER is a Podmasters Production www.podmasters.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this thought-provoking discussion, Natasha Lindstaedt, a Professor of Government at the University of Essex specializing in Russian politics, sheds light on Russia's military struggles. She reveals how high casualty rates and recruitment challenges affect troop levels, especially in poorer regions. The conversation dives into the experiences of conscripted soldiers, the impact of stalled frontlines, and the shift towards drone warfare. Natasha also explores the implications for Putin's regime and the potential for political change in Russia amidst the ongoing war.

Jason Blazakis, an expert on terrorism from the Middlebury Institute, joins to dissect Trump's rhetoric on left-wing terror. He argues that focusing solely on ideology overlooks mixed motivations behind radicalization. Blazakis sheds light on how online forums fuel extremism and highlights data showing minimal left-wing attacks. He warns that designating groups like Antifa could infringe on civil liberties and might be politically weaponized. Ultimately, he stresses the importance of preventive approaches over aggressive tactics in counterterrorism.

Gavin Esler, an experienced journalist and author, joins Jacob Jarvis to dissect the latest moves from Kemi Badenoch and the Conservative Party. They debate the feasibility of her US-style immigration proposals and the party's relevance amid dwindling membership. Esler explores the risks of strict policing measures and calls out potential leadership turmoil ahead. The discussion extends globally, addressing everything from geopolitical ties with India to the impact of the Ukraine conflict. Insightful and engaging, their conversation delves into the complexities of modern politics.