In his latest Lowdown podcast, Nick Cohen talks to Sally Gimson, editor of Index on Censorship, discussing her report on censorship and the lack of political drama in the British arts scene. Sally explains that despite a strong left-wing political passion in the arts, there is a dearth of political theatre, with institutions playing it safe to avoid controversy. She describes how plays are now heavily workshopped and censored by committees, leading to bland and inoffensive productions. Sally highlights specific examples, such as the canceled production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Royal Exchange in Manchester, which was deemed too political. Nick and Sally also discuss the chilling effect of funding dependencies, such as deals with China, and political pressures, particularly in Scotland where the SNP's dominance has stifled satire. Sally concludes with a critique of the self-censorship and institutional timidity that is rendering the arts irrelevant and apolitical.

@SallyGimson is editor of @IndexCensorship, aTrustee of Abortion Talk. Sally's Fabian pamphlet Building Bridges in the wake of the Labour Party's 2019 defeat on what it needed to enhance its futjure election chances https://fabians.org.uk/publication/building-bridges/ was published in 2020.

Nick Cohen's @NichCohen4 regular Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond is another must-read.

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

This week, Nick Cohen interviews Phillips O'Brien, a professor of strategic studies at St. Andrews University, about the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. O'Brien explained how Iran has effectively "toyed with America" by continuing attacks despite Trump's attempts to de-escalate, forcing the U.S. to resume military operations. He describes how Iran is exploiting two key American vulnerabilities: Trump's need to declare victory and the pressure on U.S. allies in the Gulf region.

Phillips highlights the significant depletion of America's missile stockpiles, noting that the U.S. and its partners are firing as many Patriot missiles in one week as they would build in a year. He criticises the corruption and division within American institutions, including the military, which he said has been compromised by Trump's promotion of loyalists over competent officers. Phillips and Nick discuss Iran's potential war aims, including control over the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining their nuclear program, sanctions relief, and withdrawal of U.S. military presence in the region. Phillips concludes that the conflict would likely end after the November 2026 election, as the war has become increasingly unpopular and pressure would mount on Washington to find a settlement.

Read Phillips' own regular Substack column - Phillips's Newsletter. Phillips is also professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews.

Nick Cohen's @NichCohen4 regular Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond is another must-read.

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

Nick Cohen and Charlie Sykes discuss what they describe as Donald Trump’s two reckless “wars”: the shooting conflict with Iran and the trade war with Canada. Sykes argues both are driven largely by Trump’s personal whims, lack public support, and have not been properly authorised or explained to Americans.

On Canada, Sykes says almost no ordinary Americans see Canada as an enemy, making Trump’s tariffs especially irrational and damaging. He argues the episode shows allies can no longer assume the US will honour agreements, whether on trade, NATO, or security guarantees.

On Iran, Sykes says Trump promised to avoid “forever wars” but is now trapped by his fear of looking weak. He warns that Trump’s corruption, isolation, and reliance on loyalists have made US policy more erratic, while nuclear deals with Saudi Arabia and unreliable American guarantees may encourage more countries to seek nuclear weapons.

Charlie Sykes @SykesCharlie is a leading highly respected United States conservative political commentator who was formerly editor-in-chief and founder of the highly influential website The Bulwark. Charlie has been a leading Never Trump Conservative since Trump stood for the presidency in 2015. Charlie's Substack - To the contrary is a must read, and his regular podcast - also called To the contrary - a must listen. He has also been a columnist and author for the progressive channel MSNBC.

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.