These Times

UnHerd political editor Tom McTague and Cambridge professor Helen Thompson team up to investigate the history of today’s politics — and what it means for our future. Each week they will explore the great forces, ideas and events that led us to where we are, whether in Britain, the United States, Europe or beyond. It’s a politics podcast for those who want a deeper, historical understanding of the news, to understand what has really shaped our world and why. We hope you enjoy! Don’t forget to rate, like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts — and, of course, to get in touch with all your questions and comments so we can respond in future episodes. Email us at thesetimes@unherd.com or tweet us at @thesetimespod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump: the Multipolar President?

This week, Tom and Helen follow on from the previous episode by analysing Donald Trump's response to the multipolar world and its implications, especially for Europe. They dive into Trump's clear actions towards Russia, the complications with China, the broader strategic shifts, European interests, NATO's current state, and rising geopolitical tensions involving Turkey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

31 mar 2025 - 53 min 55 s

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The rise of the multipolar world order

In this week's episode, Tom and Helen zoom out to look at the wider geopolitical world order coming into being in the midst of Donald Trump's second term, and whether American acceptance of a multipolar world is the key thread in Trump's geopolitical ambitions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

25 mar 2025 - 01 h 03 min 11 s

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Trump’s Economic Revolution

This week, Tom and Helen discuss the growing American debt crisis and whether Donald Trump's bold political moves can be understood as a response to this escalating financial challenge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18 mar 2025 - 01 h 09 min 23 s

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Trump versus Zelensky and the Wars for Ukraine’s Resources

This week, Tom and Helen discuss the growing focus on the US-Ukraine minerals deal and its potential impact on intelligence sharing and arms supplies. They also explore whether the war in Ukraine has evolved into a battle over resources amid rising global geopolitical tensions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11 mar 2025 - 55 min 38 s

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Crisis: Trump, Zelensky and a moment of truth for Starmer

This week, Tom and Helen discuss the recent whirlwind of political events: Keir Starmer's meeting with Donald Trump after announcing a boost in British defense spending, Volodymyr Zelensky’s fiery Oval Office press conference, and European leaders’ efforts to draft a peace plan for presentation to the U.S. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 mar 2025 - 01 h 12 min 34 s

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The German Election: Friedrich Merz, “Independence” from America, and the Rise of the Far Right.

This week, Tom and Helen discuss the aftermath of Germany's election, where the Christian Democrats won but with their second-lowest vote tally ever. They explore what these results mean for the future of European politics and the shifting dynamics of Europe’s relationship with the United States. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

24 feb 2025 - 01 h 08 min 54 s

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Trump, Putin and Europe’s Historic Crisis

This week Tom and Helen discuss the impact that peace talks with Russia might have on the United States security commitment to Europe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18 feb 2025 - 01 h 05 min 24 s

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Trump's Tariff War

In this episode of These Times, Tom and Helen discuss the deep history behind Trump's latest round of tariffs on China, Mexico and Canada; how the US has used tariffs throughout history, how protectionism shifted between the Democratic and Republican parties, and what it all means for global politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11 feb 2025 - 01 h 04 min 44 s

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Can Europe Survive Trump?

Following on from the previous episode, this week, Tom and Helen expand even further on the topic of Europe and its dependance on the United States. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 feb 2025 - 52 min 12 s

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Europe’s Trump Shock

This week, Tom and Helen discuss what Donald Trump's presidency means for Europe, historically, after his revealing first week in office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

28 ene 2025 - 01 h 02 min 43 s

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