Mid-Atlantic - conversations about US, UK and world politics

Roifield Brown
Roifield Brown

Chit chat and debate about politics and culture in the US and UK, with Host Roifield Brown and guests. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 3d ago

    How Serbia’s Students Defeated Vučić and What Comes Next

    A movement born in grief has redrawn Serbia’s political map. Following the deaths of 16 people in the Novi Sad railway station tragedy, student protests grew into a nationwide demand for justice—and an electoral victory over Aleksandar Vučić’s political camp. Roifield Brown speaks with Professor Aleksandra Krstić of the University of Belgrade about how a leaderless movement built public trust, bypassed government-aligned media and turned face-to-face organising into votes. She explains why students chose to nominate experts and professionals rather than seek parliamentary seats themselves. With victory comes a harder test: rebuilding independent institutions, holding those responsible for abuses to account and resisting the temptation to concentrate power again. The conversation also explores Serbia’s European ambitions, its relationships with Russia and China, its position on Kosovo and the unfinished promise of the democratic changes that followed Milošević’s fall. Can the solidarity that filled Serbia’s streets become the foundation for lasting democratic government? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Nov 5

    The Great American Revolt: Trump Humiliated, Democrats Reborn

    A blue wave was expected. What America delivered was a political tsunami. Donald Trump's Republican Party has suffered a historic electoral humiliation. Democrats have captured Congress, Texas has delivered a stunning Democratic Senate victory, and Republican strongholds once considered untouchable have fallen. But does this extraordinary result represent a temporary rejection of Trump, or the beginning of a fundamental realignment of American politics? On this edition of Mid-Atlantic, Roifield Brown is joined by Houston-based political commentator Denise Hamilton and Washington pollster Logan Phillips to examine the electoral earthquake and its implications for the final two years of Trump's presidency. Denise sees something profoundly moral in the results: an electorate rejecting cruelty, incompetence and the misuse of political power. Logan examines the dramatic demographic swings, the collapse of Republican support in unexpected places and the emergence of a new generation of Democratic candidates. Together, they explore the political significance of James Talarico's Texas victory, the growing importance of affordability and economic security, the surprising power of religious progressivism, and the question of whether money and gerrymandering still guarantee electoral success. The conversation reaches beyond the immediate results to consider whether America's political economy is undergoing a transformation comparable to Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal revolution. Can Democrats unite their progressive and centrist wings? Can Republicans escape Trump's shadow? And will the next two years produce genuine reform, constitutional confrontation or simply another cycle of political disappointment? America has delivered its verdict on Trump. The question now is whether it has also voted to end the political era he created. Mid-Atlantic — hosted by Roifield Brown, with Denise Hamilton and Logan Phillips. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Oct 28

    South Africa After ANC Dominance: Who Holds the Power? — with Stephen Grootes

    What comes next for South Africa as the ANC’s dominance gives way to a more fragmented political landscape? Roifield Brown welcomes Stephen Grootes to Mid Atlantic to explore South Africa’s changing politics and its place in the world. Stephen hosts The Money Show on 702 and Cape Talk, is an anchor on Newsroom Afrika and an Associate Editor at Daily Maverick. He brings more than twenty years of experience reporting and commenting on South African politics. The conversation examines the ANC’s declining support, the legacy of its liberation struggle and the competition to shape the country’s future. From Jacob Zuma’s MK party and the Democratic Alliance to the growing importance of smaller parties, can South Africa’s new political landscape deliver greater accountability—and could any party command a majority again? The discussion also turns abroad, exploring South Africa’s support for Palestinians, its case at the International Court of Justice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Oct 25

    Sir Andrew Mitchell, Can Birmingham Rise Again and Can the Conservatives?

    Sir Andrew Mitchell MP in conversation with Roifield Brown What does it take to rebuild a city, revive a political party and restore Britain's influence in the world? In this wide-ranging and occasionally combative conversation, Roifield Brown sits down with Sir Andrew Mitchell, Conservative MP for Sutton Coldfield and former International Development Secretary, to examine the challenges facing Birmingham, Britain and the Conservative Party. Mitchell warns that the world has entered an era of dangerous nationalism, criticises cuts to overseas aid and defends international cooperation. But when challenged over Brexit, he insists that Britain's departure from the European Union must be respected, despite having supported Remain. The discussion turns to Palestine, the two-state solution and Britain's responsibility to uphold international law, before moving closer to home. Can Birmingham recover from financial crisis and reputational damage? Has the city been failed by its political leadership? Should Sutton Coldfield have greater control over its own affairs? And can the revival of its town centre offer lessons for the rest of Britain? Brown challenges Mitchell on the dominance of supermarket chains, the decline of independent high streets, water privatisation, London's economic supremacy and the failures of HS2. F inally, Mitchell offers a confident defence of Kemi Badenoch, predicts that Reform UK will fade and explains why he believes the Conservatives will return to government. A conversation about political power, civic ambition and whether Britain still has the imagination to renew itself. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Oct 21

    China’s Rise, America’s Fear: What the West Gets Wrong

    What the West Gets Wrong About China — with Professor Zhiqun Zhu Has the West become so preoccupied with the process of government that it has forgotten its purpose? After a visit to Shanghai challenged his assumptions about China, Mid Atlantic’s host sits down with Professor Zhiqun Zhu, professor of political science and international relations and director of the China Institute at Bucknell University, to explore the country behind the headlines. Their conversation examines the tensions between economic opportunity and political control, the survival of Deng Xiaoping’s pragmatism under Xi Jinping, and why prosperity and stability matter to the Communist Party’s legitimacy. Zhu also considers whether America’s anxiety about China stems from ideological differences or the prospect of losing its dominant position. The discussion turns to Taiwan, competing claims in the South China Sea, and Zhu’s prediction that Washington would support Taiwan without entering a direct war with Beijing. Throughout, one question connects the conversation: can two competing superpowers recognise each other’s interests without allowing rivalry to become confrontation? A discussion about what China wants, how the West understands it, and where cooperation remains possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Oct 18

    Burnham’s Bounce, Badenoch’s Comeback and Farage’s Next Move | UK Politics

    Is Labour’s recovery the start of a lasting political change, or another short honeymoon? Roifield Brown welcomes regular commentator Leah Brown back to Mid Atlantic for a warm, lively look at a turbulent fortnight in UK politics. From Andy Burnham’s appeal and Labour’s Holborn and St Pancras victory to Kemi Badenoch’s Conservative pitch, the Greens’ conference controversy and Nigel Farage’s asylum proposals, they ask who is rebuilding trust with voters. Roifield sees signs that the established parties are recovering; Leah is less convinced that Britain is heading back to two-party politics. They also discuss public ownership, inheritance tax and the risks of reopening the European debate. Expect friendly disagreements, serious questions and a brief diversion into the merits of wearing slippers inside wellies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Oct 12

    France Fractured, Protests and Politics

    Philippe Marlière, Professor of French and European Politics at University College London, joins Roifield Brown in conversation to examine the tensions shaping French politics. They explore the polarisation between Marine Le Pen’s far right and Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s radical left, the argument that France’s electorate has shifted to the right, and what that could mean in a hypothetical presidential run-off between the two. The discussion also addresses disturbing accounts of flash-ball injuries, including a school student losing an eye, highlighting the human stakes of France’s social tensions. After 14 years of conversation, Mid-Atlantic is now on YouTube and Substack too. Follow, subscribe and join the debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Oct 6

    Is Manchester City too politically important to punish properly?

    Can English football enforce its rules when the stakes include Gulf wealth, political influence and Britain’s relationship with the UAE? On Mid Atlantic, Roifield Brown is joined by John Gunnison in Dublin and Tonye Altrade in London to explore the Manchester City controversy. John, a City supporter who spent eight years living in Abu Dhabi, offers an insider’s perspective on the emirate’s ambitions. Arsenal supporter Tonye examines the consequences for rival clubs and the credibility of English football. They debate the financial allegations, which City denies, the blurred boundaries between royal wealth and state power, and whether investment in Manchester risks becoming political protection. From relegation to a change of ownership, what would meaningful accountability look like—and who should bear the consequences? A passionate discussion about football, fairness and whether the beautiful game has become too valuable to govern. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

See All (362)

4.8
out of 5
62 Ratings

About

Chit chat and debate about politics and culture in the US and UK, with Host Roifield Brown and guests. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

More From Roifield Brown

You Might Also Like