Globalisation has become the driver of international trade, giving both rich and poorer countries a stake in world business.Then came US President Donald Trump’s tariffs. Could they torpedo globalisation? And what would that mean? Presenter: James Bays Guests:Shirley Yu – senior visiting fellow at the London School of EconomicsMelanie Brusseler – US programme Director at … Read more
US President Donald Trump has invoked wartime powers to boost production of critical minerals. Critical minerals are crucial to clean energy technologies and defence manufacturing. Their demand is growing fast, and so is competition among leading economies for rare earths. But it is China that dominates supply chains. The United States is scrambling to reduce … Read more
Washington is pressing Kyiv to sign away billions in mineral wealth for continued support. Ukrainian soil contains around five percent of the world’s rare earth mineral deposits. United States President Donald Trump is seeking a share of those resources in return for the billions Washington has sent to Ukraine to support its war with Russia. … Read more
The German and French foreign ministers have met Syria’s de facto leader in Damascus. The European officials conveyed a message that the lifting of sanctions on Syria would depend on how the country’s political future develops. So what do both sides want from each other – and what divides them? Presenter: Neave Barker Guests: Haid … Read more
Spain’s devastating floods have raised concerns about EU preparedness for climate change. It is Spain’s worst natural disaster in recent history and some scientists are linking it to global warming. Devastating floods across the eastern region of Valencia have destroyed roads, railways, other infrastructure and businesses. Recovery efforts are still under way, but the total … Read more
Damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton is estimated to be more than $100bn. Two powerful hurricanes have devastated properties and businesses across the southeastern United States. Climate-linked weather events are becoming more frequent and costly in the nation, draining the federal government’s aid funds rapidly. That is why many Americans lack flood insurance or … Read more
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are escalating after Iran’s major missile attack on Israel. Middle East tensions are ratcheting up, bringing the region closer towards an all-out war. The geopolitical risk rose after Iran launched a major ballistic missile attack targeting sites across Israel. The escalation comes almost a year after Israel started its … Read more
Israel’s war on Gaza has ground its vital economic sectors to a halt. Almost a year into the war on Gaza, Israel’s economy is facing its deepest decline in years. Military spending is ballooning, borrowing is rocketing and revenues are drying up. International trust in its economy is waning. Thousands of highly educated and skilled … Read more
The United States Federal Reserve has cut interest rates for the first time since 2020. It was seen as the clearest signal yet that central banks are winning the fight against inflation. The US Federal Reserve – usually seen as a global leader – has joined other banks around the world in lowering the cost … Read more
With two months to go before the US presidential election, the candidates are outlining their vision for the world’s biggest economy. Democratic candidate Kamala Harris says she plans to raise taxes on corporations and the wealthy while the Republican hopeful Donald Trump says he’ll slash what he says is unnecessary federal spending. The economy and … Read more