Independent Thinking

Chatham House
  • 5.0 (2)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Independent Thinking

Chatham House director Bronwen Maddox hosts conversations with leading policymakers, journalists and Chatham House experts to provide insight into the latest international political issues. Independent Thinking gives listeners the opportunity to engage with the high level conversations hosted by Chatham House.

  1. 21 HR AGO

    How can Nigeria tackle corruption?

    In this episode of Independent Thinking, we explore the root causes of corruption in Nigeria, its impact on everyday life, and potential solutions for change. Bronwen Maddox speaks with Leena Koni Hoffmann about her in-depth report on the issue, as well as insights from speakers at a Chatham House conference focused on Nigeria’s ongoing fight against corruption. Read our work on Nigeria: Taking action against corruption in Nigeria Renewing Nigeria’s anti-corruption agenda Tackling judicial bribery and procurement fraud in Nigeria Democracy in Nigeria Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. Executive Producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧  Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.

    32 min

  2. 5 DAYS AGO

    Is the US confronting China in Latin America?

    This week on Independent Thinking, we explore the growing battle for influence in Latin America between the U.S. and China. In just two decades, China has gone from a minor player in the region to a dominant force—challenging the US. How is President Trump’s government responding and could his policies actually give Beijing more room to expand? Guest host Chris Sabatini is joined by Yu Jie, Robert Evan Ellis, and Bruno Binetti to discuss the shifting power dynamics and what they could mean for the global balance of power. Read our latest: South Korea’s domestic tumult risks being exploited by China US ownership of TikTok won’t protect democracies from digital threats Trump’s tariffs will push Southeast Asia uncomfortably close to China Presented by Chris Sabatini. Produced by Amanda Nunn. Executive Producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧  Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.

    33 min

  3. 4 APR

    Are Donald Trump's tariffs the end of globalization?

    President Trump has unveiled sweeping new trade tariffs—but what happens next? Bronwen Maddox explores the global reaction, the economic fallout, and whether this marks the beginning of the end for globalization.  She’s joined by Jason Furman, former Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Barack Obama, alongside Dame DeAnne Julius and David Lubin from Chatham House’s Global Economy and Finance Programme. Read our latest: Trump’s ‘liberation day’ tariffs are likely just the beginning of a longer-term vision. Putting the Digital Services Tax on the table in US negotiations sends worrying signal on UK digital sovereignty. The false economy of DOGE. Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. Executive Producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧  Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.

    29 min

  4. 28 MAR

    Can Europe replace the US as a global power?

    In this week’s episode of Independent Thinking, Bronwen Maddox discusses whether Europe can take up the mantle of the US, and lead the world as an economic and political powerhouse. Can Europe can fill the vacuum caused by America’s shifting foreign policy, and in doing so, become more of an economic force? Bronwen explores this topic with three Chatham House experts - Creon Butler, Director of the Global Economy and Finance Programme, Olivia O’Sullivan, Director of the UK in the World Programme, and Nicolai von Ondarza, an Associate Fellow in our Europe Programme. Read our latest: Europe must forge a new role in the global economy China’s military build-up indicates it is serious about taking Taiwan Competing visions of international order Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Jonathan Coates. Executive Producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧  Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.

    30 min

  5. 21 MAR

    How closely is China watching the US?

    This week on Independent Thinking, three Chatham House experts look at the view from China now that Donald Trump is in charge. Ben Bland speaks to Yu Jie, William Matthews and  David Lubin, about how China is repositioning itself on the world stage, viewing its own security and preparing for a potential trade war.  We’ll also explore what the Chinese Communist Party is really thinking, what harm tariffs are doing and what the AI battle could mean for the world. Read our latest: New US attacks on the Houthis will not bring Iran to the negotiating table – but could provoke worse violence The US and Iran are on the road to escalation. Europe can and should create an off-ramp Taking action against corruption in Nigeria Presented by Ben Bland. Produced by Jonathan Coates. Executive Producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧  Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.

    33 min

  6. 14 MAR

    Will Syria’s new leader rescue or destroy the country?

    In this week's episode Haid Haid, Rim Turkmani, and Lina Khatib discuss the recent developments in Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.  We delve into the country's economic struggles, the rise of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, the resurgence of sectarian violence, and the challenges facing Syria's path to democracy. It also explores the roles of regional and international players, including Turkey, Israel, and Iran, in shaping Syria’s future. Read our latest: Ukraine enters a perilous phase of fighting and talking with no assured end in sight France should join NATO’s nuclear sharing arrangements to strengthen European deterrence China’s ‘two sessions’: What did we learn about the Chinese economy? Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Jonathan Coates. Executive Producer: John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧  Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.

    33 min

  7. 7 MAR

    Is the UK military strong enough?

    With the UK pledging to increase defence spending to levels not seen since the Cold War, what does the future of British defence look like? In this episode, we discuss the evolving nature of warfare, the impact of technology on modern battlefields, and whether Britain is truly prepared for the next conflict. Joining Bronwen Maddox are Sir John Sawers, former head of MI6; James Heappey, former Armed Forces Minister; and Chatham House experts Samir Puri and Olivia O’Sullivan. Read our latest: Picking up the pieces after the Trump–Zelenskyy summit: Europe has mobilized, but the road will be bumpy What Ukraine can teach Europe and the world about innovation in modern warfare Europe must take the gamble and engage with China on Ukraine Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock with Indio Media. Read the Winter issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧  Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.

    30 min

  8. 28 FEB

    Can the UK, France and Germany forge a new transatlantic path?

    As Donald Trump moves to reshape America’s foreign policy, we discuss what this means for the allies in Europe. Can the the United Kingdom, France and Germany forge a new path or is transatlantic unity fading fast?  Bronwen Maddox is joined by the Chair of Chatham House Sir Simon Fraser, former Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief Gerard Baker, Marion Messmer, a senior research fellow with our International Security programme and Sebastien Maillard, an associate fellow with our Europe programme. Read our latest: It’s not too late for the US to back Ukraine – for its own benefit After German election win, can Merz deliver leadership at home and in Europe? Trump is pushing Europe and China closer together. Europe should tread carefully Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by John Pollock with Indio Media. Read the Winter issue of The World Today  Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧  Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.

    40 min
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    Ratings & Reviews

    5
    out of 5
    2 Ratings

    About

    Chatham House director Bronwen Maddox hosts conversations with leading policymakers, journalists and Chatham House experts to provide insight into the latest international political issues. Independent Thinking gives listeners the opportunity to engage with the high level conversations hosted by Chatham House.

    Information

    • Creator
      Chatham House
    • Years Active
      2020 - 2025
    • Episodes
      99
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © Chatham House 2020
    • Show Website
      Independent Thinking

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