As the IMF Spring Meetings unfold in Washington DC, Bronwen Maddox asks whether we are witnessing the twilight of the US dollar’s global dominance. Amid political shocks and shifting financial allegiances, could the world be inching towards a post-dollar era? Bronwen is joined by Isabelle Mateos y Lago, chief economist at BNP Paribas, and David Lubin from Chatham House’s Global Economy and Finance Programme to explore the dollar’s uncertain future, the rise of digital and alternative currencies, and what it all means for global power and stability. Find out more: The US dollar’s role in the international monetary system is now dangerously in flux President Trump’s tariffs increase pressure on allies to reduce security dependence on the US How China–India relations will shape Asia and the global order Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧 Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.
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29:40
How can Nigeria tackle corruption?
In this episode of Independent Thinking, we explore the root causes of corruption in Nigeria, its impact on everyday life, and potential solutions for change. Bronwen Maddox speaks with Leena Koni Hoffmann about her in-depth report on the issue, as well as insights from speakers at a Chatham House conference focused on Nigeria’s ongoing fight against corruption. Read our work on Nigeria: Taking action against corruption in Nigeria Renewing Nigeria’s anti-corruption agenda Tackling judicial bribery and procurement fraud in Nigeria Democracy in Nigeria Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. Executive Producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧 Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.
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32:23
Is the US confronting China in Latin America?
This week on Independent Thinking, we explore the growing battle for influence in Latin America between the U.S. and China. In just two decades, China has gone from a minor player in the region to a dominant force—challenging the US. How is President Trump’s government responding and could his policies actually give Beijing more room to expand? Guest host Chris Sabatini is joined by Yu Jie, Robert Evan Ellis, and Bruno Binetti to discuss the shifting power dynamics and what they could mean for the global balance of power. Read our latest: South Korea’s domestic tumult risks being exploited by China US ownership of TikTok won’t protect democracies from digital threats Trump’s tariffs will push Southeast Asia uncomfortably close to China Presented by Chris Sabatini. Produced by Amanda Nunn. Executive Producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧 Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.
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33:14
Are Donald Trump's tariffs the end of globalization?
President Trump has unveiled sweeping new trade tariffs—but what happens next? Bronwen Maddox explores the global reaction, the economic fallout, and whether this marks the beginning of the end for globalization. She’s joined by Jason Furman, former Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Barack Obama, alongside Dame DeAnne Julius and David Lubin from Chatham House’s Global Economy and Finance Programme. Read our latest: Trump’s ‘liberation day’ tariffs are likely just the beginning of a longer-term vision. Putting the Digital Services Tax on the table in US negotiations sends worrying signal on UK digital sovereignty. The false economy of DOGE. Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Amanda Nunn. Executive Producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧 Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.
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29:14
Can Europe replace the US as a global power?
In this week’s episode of Independent Thinking, Bronwen Maddox discusses whether Europe can take up the mantle of the US, and lead the world as an economic and political powerhouse. Can Europe can fill the vacuum caused by America’s shifting foreign policy, and in doing so, become more of an economic force? Bronwen explores this topic with three Chatham House experts - Creon Butler, Director of the Global Economy and Finance Programme, Olivia O’Sullivan, Director of the UK in the World Programme, and Nicolai von Ondarza, an Associate Fellow in our Europe Programme. Read our latest: Europe must forge a new role in the global economy China’s military build-up indicates it is serious about taking Taiwan Competing visions of international order Presented by Bronwen Maddox. Produced by Jonathan Coates. Executive Producer - John Pollock. 'Independent Thinking' is an Indio Media production for Chatham House. Read the Spring issue of The World Today Listen to The Climate Briefing podcast 🎧 Listen to Africa Aware podcast 🎧 Subscribe to Independent Thinking wherever you find your podcasts - please listen, review, and subscribe.
Chatham House director Bronwen Maddox hosts conversations with leading policymakers, journalists and Chatham House experts to provide insight into the latest international political issues.
Independent Thinking gives listeners the opportunity to engage with the high level conversations hosted by Chatham House.
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