The Lowdown from Nick Cohen

Nick Cohen
  • 4.7 (94)
  • NEWS COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Get The Lowdown from Nick Cohen as he investigates a world that seems to get ever more crazy, with leading commentators, columnists and politicians. Each week, leading commentator Nick Cohen talks to the country's leading movers and shakers - to cut the through much of the noise and commentary that passes for so much political discourse these days. Nick - a long-term columnist for The Observer and The Spectator - teams up with other commentators, journalists, authors and politicians to make sense of our ever stranger and troubling world. Nick aims to help keep you sane! So please get The Lowdown from Nick Cohen and subscribe to his Substack column - Writing from London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Humiliating America & threatening the world

    The World's growing Trump crisis - the rogue U.S. president is everyone's biggest problem now This week, Nick Cohen interviews Paris-based American journalist and author Claire Berlinski, editor ofThe Cosmopolitan Globalist, about the ongoing crisis involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Nick and Claire discuss Donald Trump's decision to launch military strikes against Iran without congressional approval, with Claire describing it as a diplomatic catastrophe and economic disaster. They discuss Trump's rapidly deteriorating mental state and cognitive abilities, with Claire arguing that Trump increasingly appears to be losing his inhibitions and suffering from dementia. They explore potential outcomes of the messy, growing conflict, including the possibility of regime change in Iran and the implications for NATO. They also touch on the lack of understanding in Western media about the toxic religious ideology of Iran's religious leaders and the unpredictability and ruthlessness of Iran's political and security leaders. Read all about 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.

    40 min

  2. 15 MAR

    Antisemitism on the march!

    Novelist Howard Jacobson discusses his new comic novel exploring post-October 7th anti-Semitism In this weeks The Lowdown podcast, Nick Cohen and Howard Jacobson, discuss Howard's latest novel "hoWL" which explores antisemitism and Jewish fear in the world following the October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel. Howard and Nick discuss whether the recent rise in anti-Jewish sentiment in Britain represents a new wave of anti-Semitism or a reemergence of historical hatred that had been suppressed since the Holocaust. Howard Jacobson argues that the attacks provided "permission" for anti-Semitic views to surface openly, particularly among university students and left-wing activists who - he claims - were celebrating Jewish deaths. The discussion also touched on the complex political situation in Israel and Palestine, with Howard defending his decision to use comedy in his novel rather than taking a more polemical approach, while acknowledging the difficult position many Jewish people now find themselves in when discussing Israeli policy. Howard explains a novel is not a protest march, but more of a song or a poem, and describes how comedy can be a brilliant tool for writers plumbing the darker themes of life. Read all about it! Howard Jacobson has written 20 books, including 17 novels, and is a former winner of the Booker Prize. His latest novel is hoWL and is available now. Howard also writes his own Substack column, Streetwalking with Howard Jacobson Nick Cohen's @NickCohen4 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.

    40 min

  3. 9 MAR

    Will Dictator Orban fall?

    Is this the end for Viktor Orbán - the Godfather of European authoritarianism? Nick Cohen talks to Hugarian author, journalist and politician Zsuzsanna Szelényi about the the upcoming Hungarian election on April 12th, where Viktor Orbán's Fidesz party faces a significant challenge from the opposition Tizsa party led by Péter Magyar. Could this - at last - be the end for the role model for Donald Trump and the rest of the authoritarian right? Over the last 16 years, Orbán has shown the radical right how to eat out a democracy and fashion an authoritarian state from what remains. He's created a game plan for the AfD, Reform UK and the Rassemblement National to follow to take and hold power through the manipulation of think tanks, corruption, state capture of institutions and the media and electoral manipulation. Trump has proved to be an avid student of Orbán''s methods Zsuzsanna Szelényi, a former Hungarian politician and author of "Tainted Democracy," explains how Orbán transformed from a liberal politician in the 1990s to an authoritarian leader who controls the media, civil service, and state resources through corruption and conspiracy theories. Nick's and Zsuzsanna's discussion highlights Orbán's cosy relationship with Vladimir Putin despite Hungary's historical opposition to Russian influence, - not least when it fell under Soviet Union control between 1945-1989 - and examines how Orbán's regime has spread disinformation about Ukraine and the financier George Soros while using state resources to fund a global network of conservative think tanks. Their chat concludes with Szelényi expressing hope for Orbán's defeat in the upcoming election, though she acknowledges that even if Fidesz loses, Hungary would face a complex transition period as the country seeks to emerge from Orbán's 16-year authoritarian rule. Read all about it! Zsuzsanna Szelényi @ZSzelenyi is the author of #TaintedDemocracy Director, Democracy Institute Leadership Academy, former Hungarian MP, Richard von Weizsäcker Fellow at RBA, Europe’s Future Fellow IWM. Nick Cohen's @NickCohen4 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.

    47 min

  4. 2 MAR

    Trump won't give up power

    America may take back control from Trump's cold, dead hands! In his latest Lowdown podcast episode, recorded before US strikes against Iran, Nick Cohen talks to Washington-based British journalist and commentator, Ben Cohen, about the terrible state of the American and politics, particularly focusing on Donald Trump's disastrous presidency and the challenges faced by the Democratic Party. Ben is convinced that - Dracula-like - Donald Trump will keep manipulating events to stay in power however low he sinks in the opinion polls. Nick and Ben discuss Trump's declining popularity but noted his ability to survive scandals and maintain support through his base. Ben highlights how the Democratic Party's partially "Woke" agenda and lack of self-criticism had made them unpopular, while Trump's rampant corruption and lack of accountability currently remains unchecked. They explore potential future candidates for the Democratic nomination and agree that a new, populist figure would be needed to challenge Trump in 2028. They also discuss the broader implications for international relations and the urgent need for Britain to recognise its only Brexit-induced isolation and the threat to its own security and realign its foreign policy away from the United States. Read all about it! Read Ben Cohen @thedailybanter The Banter Substack here and listen to his podcasts here. Nick Cohen's @NickCohen4 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.

    44 min

  5. 23 FEB

    Will France fall to the far right?

    France is heading for a far right take over In this latest Lowdown podcast Nick Cohen talks in-depth to with Financial Times journalist Victor Mallet, a former F.T Paris correspondent about his book "Far-Right France: Le Pen, Bardella, and the Future of Europe." Mallett explores how the French far-right, led by Marine Le Pen and her protege Jordan Bardella, has become a mainstream political force after decades of gradual growth since the 1950s. Nick and Victor discuss how the far-right has capitalised on immigration concerns, economic grievances, and media influence to gain power, while the traditional left and centre-right parties have struggled to maintain relevance. Victor Mallet explains how the far-right's seemingly more pragmatic approach and media support have helped them transform from a fringe party to a dominant force in French politics, with significant implications for the European Union's future and the broader European project, and possibly the hard-won peace of Europe. The Far Right is on the march across Europe Nick and Victor discuss how the far right is across the march across Europe, aided and supported by Trump's White House and Putin's Kremlin. They discuss the rise of far-right and nationalist populist parties across Europe and the United States, noting that countries with histories of fascist rule, like Germany and Italy, are now seeing significant support for these parties. They attribute this phenomenon to factors such as immigration, economic challenges, and the "Fox Newsification" of media, which fuels a culture war. Nick suggests that governments' currently tough stances on immigration, mirrored by leaders like Sir Keir Starmer in Britain and Friedrich Mertz in Germany, fail to resonate positively with voters, highlighting the stubborn complexity of addressing anti-immigrant sentiment at the ballot box. Read all about it! Victor Mallet FT @VJMallet is a journalist, and was formerly the paper's Paris correspondent in the last of three stints in France for the FT. He is also an author, most recently of Far-right France: Le Pen, Bardella and the Future of Europe (Published by Hurst, and available now.) Victor is currently still based in Europe. 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.

    46 min

  6. 16 FEB

    A united Ireland is on the way

    English nationalism will destroy the UK Nick Cohen talks with Lowdown regular, author and historian James Hawes, about the on-going damage wrought on the UK by English nationalists and their failed Brexit project. Now current polls indicate that the same nationalist charlatans look likely to take power at the next general election. James said a Whitehall mandarin's prediction of the future break-up of the UK after the next election is looking increasingly likely: Labour has failed to solve the insoluble shitshow of Brexit - making it ever more likely that a radical right party reform UK led by Nigel Farage - will take power at the next election. This new resurgence of extreme English nationalism along with its loony unworkable policies will be rejected by the people of Northern Ireland and Scotland - and possibly even Wales - and calls for secession from the UK by constituent nations could soon become deafening. Northern Ireland will be the first to leave a failing United Kingdom to escape Farage & co Both Nick and James agree - Brexit has become like the mad relative squirrelled away in the attic by the embarrassed Victorian family. James predicts Northern Ireland/Ulster will want soon want to unite with the now much richer Republic of Ireland rather than face an increasingly impoverished and culture war-wracked future at the hands of incompetent English and divisive nationalists. Scotland will likely follow suit- dumping Labour for the Scottish nationalists. The future of the United Kingdom has never looked so bleak. Read all about it! James Hawes @jameshawes2 Renaissance man, historian, writer and novelist. James, the author of The Shortest History of England and The Shortest History of Germany. His latest in the series, The Shortest History of Ireland, is out next month. 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.

    59 min

  7. 9 FEB

    The love Labour's lost!

    Mandelson crisis engulfs an already embattled Starmer Nick Cohen talks to John McTernan about the Labour Party's deep political crisis in the wake of the struggles, leadership challenges, and ideological direction. They explore athe implications of the Peter Mandelson scandal, the factionalism within the Labour Party, and the broader context of the collapse of Christian democracy, which has created opportunities and challenges for the centre-left. John McTernan emphasise the need for Labour to reconnect with its ideological roots and address key issues like housing and AI, while Nick highlights the importance of strong leadership and communication. They also discuss potential leadership candidates like Wes Streeting and Andy Burnham, and the broader political landscape, including the rise of Reform and the Greens. They discuss the urgency for Labour to define a clear purpose and coherent political economy to address the challenges of the modern era. Labour's struggles under Starmer John McTernan and Nick discuss the current dire state of the Labour Party under Keir Starmer's leadership, now plunged into dee crisis over the Peter Mandelson crisis. They criticise Starmer's administration for being overly factional and ostracising lmore eft-wing members like Andy Burnham and Ed Miliband. John suggest that the Labour Party needs to engage with more left of centre ideas to create a more balanced and effective political strategy. They emphasise the importance of owning the future and fairness in politics, which the Labour Party currently lacks. Nick and John agree that Starmer's government lacks a clear purpose and direction, leading to internal conflicts and ineffective governance. Read all about it! John McTernan @Johnmcternan is a political strategist and commentator, and a former senior advisor to the Labour Party. John was Tony Blair's Director of Political Operations from 2005-2007 before acting as special advisor to two cabinet ministers under Blair's Number 10 successor - Gordon Brown. Other roles since then has been as a columnist at The Scotsman and as Director of Communications for Australia's Labor party prime minister Julia Gillard. 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.

    48 min

  8. 2 FEB

    A lonely UK's defence dilemma

    Nick Cohen talks to Mark Urban about the UK's deep defence crisis 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. Real all about it! 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min
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4.7
out of 5
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About

Get The Lowdown from Nick Cohen as he investigates a world that seems to get ever more crazy, with leading commentators, columnists and politicians. Each week, leading commentator Nick Cohen talks to the country's leading movers and shakers - to cut the through much of the noise and commentary that passes for so much political discourse these days. Nick - a long-term columnist for The Observer and The Spectator - teams up with other commentators, journalists, authors and politicians to make sense of our ever stranger and troubling world. Nick aims to help keep you sane! So please get The Lowdown from Nick Cohen and subscribe to his Substack column - Writing from London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Nick Cohen
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    111
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024 The Lowdown from Nick Cohen
  • Show Website
    The Lowdown from Nick Cohen

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