
Free Daily Podcast Summary
by Financial Times
Gideon Rachman, the Financial Times chief foreign affairs columnist, talks to the decision-makers and thinkers who are shaping world affairs.
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
Flávio Bolsonaro took a clear lead in the first round of Brazil’s presidential election, and is the favourite to assume power after a run-off against the incumbent, Lula Ignacio da Silva, later this month. Will Flávio, who is the son of imprisoned former president Jair Bolsonaro, follow his father’s playbook, by cosying up to Trump and slashing environmental regulations – or will he follow a more moderate path? Gideon speaks to Oliver Stuenkel, a professor at the Getulio Vargas Foundation in Brazil and fellow with the Carnegie Endowment in Washington, to find out how a Bolsonaro victory would change Brazil. They discuss Brazil’s relations with the US, China, and its Latin American neighbours: and they examine why whoever wins the Brazilian election is unlikely to have a long honeymoon period. Clips: APTSubscribe to Gideon’s show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen.Further reading: Brazil’s Bolsonaro dynasty closes in on stunning comebackBrazil’s Bolsonaro comeback exposes Lula’s weaknessBrazil’s markets surge as investors bet on Flávio Bolsonaro election winPresented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design is by Sean McGarrityRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
High-profile AI safety incidents, as well as warnings from industry figures about AI’s rapid progress, have stoked a new wave of fear about the future of humanity. Artificial intelligence systems are becoming more and more capable. Can we regulate this technology effectively – or is it too late to put the AI genie back in the bottle? Gideon speaks to Toby Ord, senior researcher at Oxford university’s AI Governance Institute, and author of ‘The Precipice: Existential Risk and the Future of Humanity.’Clip: C-SpanSubscribe to Gideon’s show on Apple, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you listen.Further reading: Anthropic warns of ‘existential risks to humanity’ in IPO prospectusWhy the AI race has its creators fearing human extinctionDonald Trump praises tech bosses’ ‘self-regulation’ of AIPresented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Mischa Frankl-Duval. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design is by Samantha Giovinco and Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More than three decades after The End of History and the Last Man made Francis Fukuyama one of the world’s best-known political thinkers, he is still correcting misconceptions about what he actually meant. In a wide-ranging conversation with host Gideon Rachman, Fukuyama revisits his original thesis and explores how resentment and the search for recognition are reshaping liberal democracy. They also discuss whether US institutions can withstand Donald Trump’s authoritarian impulses, why Fukuyama remains optimistic about American democracy, China and Russia’s quest for status, and his own intellectual journey away from neoconservatism. Cip: BBCFree links to read more on this topic:In the Realm of the Last Man — how the future disappeared from politicsA German election result heard around the worldA spreading war threatens Trump and MBSSupreme Court rejects Donald Trump’s restrictions on mail-in ballots for midtermsSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts — please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Clare Williamson. Executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design is by Breen TurnerRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The world is experiencing a record number of conflicts, just as governments retreat from international aid and diplomacy to leave a more politically fragmented international landscape in their wake. That is the view of David Miliband, the former UK foreign secretary and president of the International Rescue Committee, in conversation with host Gideon Rachman. They discuss the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the collapse in humanitarian funding and whether middle powers can ever fill the vacuum left by the US. Clip: Al JazeeraWant more? Free links:Fragile states in Africa and Middle East hit by more than 40% cut in UK direct aidLife on the frontline against EbolaHow will UK foreign policy change under Ed Miliband?Donald Trump reboots foreign aid with cash-for-data strategyPresented by Gideon Rachman. The executive producer is Manuela Saragosa. Sound design by Breen Turner and Sam GiovincoRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
War is raging in Ukraine, the Middle East and Sudan, while tensions are rising between China and Taiwan. What is driving this surge in global conflict, how should we respond and where, if anywhere, are the prospects for peace? Gideon is joined by Sir John Sawers, former head of MI6; Tom Tugendhat, the UK’s new shadow foreign secretary; and Kim Ghattas, FT contributing editor and author of Black Wave. They discuss how today’s conflicts are connected, the risk of further escalation and the importance of ending a war well. This episode is an edited recording of an event organised by FT Weekend Festival. Clip: CBS NewsFree links to read more on this topic:Trump envoys take Ukraine peace proposal to meeting with PutinTrump envoys hold talks with Zelenskyy in Kyiv after meeting Putin in MoscowRussia launches missile strikes against Kyiv as pause in raids endsWhy the US and Iran keep escalatingLebanon warns of ‘dangerous escalation’ after Israeli strikesSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Clare Williamson. Sound design is by Breen TurnerRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
US Treasury secretary Scott Bessent is calling for an “economic D-Day” for the Iranian regime while threatening secondary sanctions on countries that do business with the country. Will this be more effective than previous attempts at economic pressure? What impact will this have on US relations with China? And how will energy markets react? Sasha Polakow-Suransky, executive opinion editor, speaks with Emma Ashford, Stimson Center senior fellow and Foreign Policy columnist, about Washington’s latest Iran sanctions push dubbed Operation Economic Outcast. Clip: CBS NewsJoin us at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday, September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London, and spend the day with FT journalists and leading voices across business, politics, economics, culture and the arts. FT podcast listeners can save 10% off tickets with the code FTPODCAST. Click on this link to find out more.Free links to read more on this topic:US launches further strikes on Iran as conflict flares upEnergy price surge hits bond markets as European gas reaches three-year highDonald Trump says US will hit Iran ‘hard’ as conflict reignites Scott Bessent: an economic D-Day is coming for IranScott Bessent threatens Iran’s economic partners with more sanctionsIs China’s ‘wise camel’ the winner from the US-Iran war?Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Sasha Polakow-Suransky. Produced by Clare Williamson. Sound design is by Breen TurnerRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The UN is choosing a new secretary-general at a time when it’s struggling to remain relevant. Sidelined in the wars in Ukraine, Sudan and the Middle East, and facing a severe funding crisis, the organisation is under growing pressure. This week, guest host Alec Russell speaks to Thant Myint-U, a former UN official, author and the grandson of former UN secretary-general U Thant, about the challenges its new leader will face. Clip: AP ArchiveFree links to read more on this topic:António Guterres on the future of the UNSuperpowers are discovering their limits, says UN chiefThe new world order? Every man for himselfWanted: a leader to rescue the UNNuclear watchdog chief pitches ‘leaner’ UN in secretary-general bidSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts Join us at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday, September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London and spend the day with FT journalists and leading voices across business, politics, economics, culture and the arts. FT podcast listeners can save 10% off tickets with the code FTPODCAST. Click on this link to find out more.Follow Alec on X @alecurussellPresented by Alec Russell. Produced by Clare Williamson. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Gideon Rachman speaks to historian and author Simon Sebag Montefiore about his new book, The Cauldron: The Making of the Modern Middle East. They discuss the forces that shaped the region, from the Ottoman Empire and Ataturk to the ongoing tensions between the US, Israel and Iran. Gideon and Simon examine the region's complexities and interconnectedness and whether lessons from the past can offer a glimpse into the future. CLIP: British PathéJoin us at the FT Weekend Festival on Saturday, September 5 at Kenwood House Gardens in London and spend the day with FT journalists and leading voices across business, politics, economics, culture and the arts. FT podcast listeners can save 10% off tickets with the code FTPODCAST. Click on this link to find out more.Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanWant more? Free links:Israeli settlers besiege Palestinian homesThe exodus from IsraelEgypt deploys jets to UAE as Iran war strains Arab alliancesFar-right Israeli minister advocates killing ‘30 to 40’ Gazans each nightIsrael moves to give police powers in occupied West BankFar-right Israeli minister advocates killing ‘30 to 40’ Gazans each nightSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Clare Williamson. Sound design is by Breen Turner.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Listeners also like.

Economist Podcasts
Daily global news analysis from correspondents on major international stories.

The Real Story
Experts and decision makers analyze and debate major news stories.

FT News Briefing
Daily global business news highlights from the Financial Times newsroom, released every weekday morning.

Intelligence Squared
Live debates and in-depth discussions on pressing global issues featuring leading experts and thinkers.

The Ezra Klein Show
Conversations on pressing political, social, and cultural issues with experts and thinkers.

Interesting Times
Explores global shifts and emerging trends through interviews and analysis on the evolving world order.

One Decision
Former intelligence leaders and journalists examine high-stakes decisions that shaped global events.

Analysis
Examines the ideas and forces shaping public policy in Britain and abroad with writers, journalists, and academics.

From Our Own Correspondent
Global insights, analysis, and stories from BBC correspondents and journalists worldwide.

The Reith Lectures
Prominent international thinkers present lectures as part of the BBC's annual flagship series.

The Intelligence from The Economist
Daily global news and analysis on politics, business, and culture, plus a deep dive into one story each weekend.

In the Room with Peter Bergen
Peter Bergen examines global news stories through interviews with experts and firsthand reporting on national security, technology, and conflict.
Gideon Rachman, the Financial Times chief foreign affairs columnist, talks to the decision-makers and thinkers who are shaping world affairs.
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Get key takeaways from The Rachman Review in a 5-minute read.
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The Rachman Review as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Financial Times.
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
The Rachman Review publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
The Rachman Review covers topics including Science, News, Government, Politics, Commentary, Social Sciences. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.