Nick Cohen & Mark Urban discuss changing dynamics of the American-British alliance and its huge implications for British defence strategy.

Mark Urban and Nick discuss how recent actions by Donald Trump have created uncertainty about America's role as a traditional ally, particularly regarding NATO and European security. They explored how Brexit has weakened Britain's position in Europe at a time when European cooperation is needed more than ever, and criticise the current Labour government's lack of leadership in addressing defence needs.

They talk about how Britain's nuclear deterrent remains dependent on American cooperation, though Mark notes that Britain could maintain its deterrent for about 10 years even if American support was withdrawn. They also discuss how the British military has become increasingly vulnerable and underfunded, with defence spending at just 2.5% of GDP compared to 7% in 1961 when Mark was born.

Mark and Nick discuss the changing dynamics of the British-American alliance, with Mark highlighting that the decline in their relative military and economic power began during World War II. They also discuss how the special relationship has evolved over time, with Mark referencing his book "The Edge" from 2015, which warned about the increasing defence spending by China and Russia and the need for European self-reliance. They agree that the current situation with Donald Trump's administration represents a significant inflection point in this long-term decline, though they acknowledge that the underlying changes have been gradual rather than sudden.

Mark Urban was for many years a defence correspondent for BBC Newsnight and later its Diplomatic Editor. He has hosted the Crisis Room podcast @crisisroompod. He also writes for tHE Sunday Times. He's also a historian and author with books including Big Boys Rules, Rifles, TF Black, Tank War, Skripal Files, Red Devils.

Mark's latest book Tank is out as a paperback later this year. Mark is also a Trustee for The Imperial War Museum @I_W_M . Mark's Susbtack is called War and Peace.

Nick Cohen's @NichCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond.

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Nick Cohen talks with U.S commentator and author Claire Berlinski about the increasingly dangerous and insane presidency of Donald Trump which Claire sees as a pattern of national sabotage rather than mere incompetence, impulsiveness, or corruption, highlighting the destructive impact of his policies on US global power and alliances.

The last week has shocked the U.S's one-time allies with his reckless threats against Denmark and Greenland, his abandonment of NATO, the filthy gang of tyrants and international gangsters he's corralled into his absurd and corrupt "Board of Peace", the stupid and offensive insults he's levelled against the allied war dead and his ridiculous and insane rants.

They explore recent events and developments in both the United States and Europe, including Trump's isolationist approach, Britain's response to US actions, and the implications of Trump's statements and actions on American power and credibility. Claire expresses deep concern about the dangers posed by Trump's presidency, particularly regarding nuclear weapons, and explored the potential for Europe to assert its power by reducing its economic and military dependence on the U.S.

Claire says, "This isn't just one madman. This is a significant segment of the American public and they don't show much sign of understanding what they've done. Having seen that this can happen, how does anyone put the faith in the United States that was granted to the United States, almost unthinkingly by many nations to the point that Britain completely united its defence and security with American institutions?

Claire adds "I can't explain how an entire political party could be hostage to this madman in the way that they are, even to the point that they are forfeiting their own children's security and futures."

Clairs says, "It's overwhelmingly obvious that this is. An existential danger to every living human being. Donald Trump has the power to launch as many as 4,000 nuclear weapons unilaterally. He requires no one's permission, and if he gives the order, should do it. His, his subordinates are, are, the law says they have to execute it."

Claire Berlinski @Claire Berlinski is an American author and commentator based in Paris. Claire's regular Substack column The Cosmopolitan Globalist - is a must read for anyone looking for keen analysis of insight into the continuing Trump Trauma in the U.S. - a crisis which has serious implications for all of us and the current world order. Claire also co-hosts a podcast - Critical Conditions - with Dan Perry

Nick Cohen's @NichCohen4 latest Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.