The Lowdown from Nick Cohen

Nick Cohen talks to influential leading US commentator Charlie Sykes who has a grim warning for the West about Trump and the far-right revolutionaries now in charge of the White HouseAmerica's dark revolution threatens the world"We're not dealing with something that's going to be fixed by a midterm election. We are dealing with a fundamentally revolutionary time - a revolutionary age in which America has gone from being a reliable ally and a role model to being a genuine threat to being a genuine threat to western values, to western democracy and frankly to the western economies as well."Trump's ICE - the real and current threat faced by all AmericansCharlie talks to Nick about the recent fatal shooting by an ICE agent in cold blood of mother of three Renee Good this week. Trump has awarded ICE a huge $170 billion budget - far beyond what most of the world's militaries could hope to expect. Charlie says, "This was police murder in the same city in which George Floyd was murdered by police, and, and I don't think that this is going to go away anytime soon ...Is this going to be the pivot point? Is this going to be a turning point? And it often turns out not to be, but in this particular case, this was not just a one off. This is the inevitable result of this deliberate policy of fear."Trump intends to demoralise his political enemiesCharlie believes Trump and his acolytes are determined on permeating a feeling of hopelessness in their political opponents, adding, "It is painful and a lot of Americans are really struggling with that right now. And of course, that's what authoritarians want. They want people to be completely demoralised, to be completely depressed. You know, pessimism is a great weapon. But I'll be honest with you, we struggle with that every single day and this week feels."Read all about it!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.

Charlotte Leslie, a former Conservative MP, discusses the rise of the radical right in politics and the potential for a Reform-led government in the UK, emphasising the need to take the group seriously despite their challenges. She and Nick Cohen explore the underlying divisions in British society that led to Brexit, using her experience as an MP for Bristol Northwest as an example, and discussed Farage's political strategies and leadership style. The conversation concluded with discussions on immigration and integration, the challenges of discussing Islam and political Islam, and the future of the Conservative Party, including its approach to Farage and various international issues.Conservative Party's Path ForwardCharlotte and Nick discuss the challenges and future of the Conservative Party. Charlotte suggested that the party is going through a difficult period but will eventually emerge stronger, comparing it to a bushfire that rejuvenates the roots. Nick expresses concern about the lack of a clear conservative argument against Farage, noting that the Tory press has largely abandoned its traditional values. Both agree that significant changes and reforms are needed for the party to survive and thrive in the long term.Conservative Party's Strategic ChallengesCharlotte, discusses the Conservative Party's approach to Nigel Farage and his views on Russia-Ukraine, suggesting that the party should focus on exposing Farage's positions rather than attacking him personally. She criticized the party's handling of migration issues and the lack of a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty, which she believes could have prevented the toxic Brexit vote. Charlotte also highlights the need for a nuanced approach to Israel-Palestine issues, advocating for depolarisation and thoughtful analysis. She acknowledged a shift in public opinion regarding Israel's actions in Gaza, with some younger Conservatives questioning the country's response.Read all about it!Charlotte Leslie @CharlotteLeslie is the Director of the Conservative Middle East Council @cmec_uk and a Goodwill Ambassador for @GrainFromUA . She was the Conservative MP for Bristol North WestNick Cohen's @NickCohen4 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.

Nick Cohen and Dr Bharat Tandon, academic, novelist & Booker Prize judge, discuss Jane Austen's astonishing legacy before delving into a detailed analysis of her enduring popularity and literary significance. They explored themes of claustrophobia in Austen's works, particularly how her novels depict the constraints of patriarchal structures and economic relations for women, while also examining the misinterpretation of her writing by modern figures like Milo Yiannopoulos. The discussion concluded with an analysis of Austen's subtle political commentary in "Mansfield Park" and her innovative narrative style, emphasising the importance of returning to the original texts for a deeper understanding of her work.Bharat and Nick discuss the theme of claustrophobia in the works of early 19th-century women writers, particularly focusing on Jane Austen. They explore how Austen's novels, such as "Sense and Sensibility" and "Pride and Prejudice," depict the inescapable constraints of patriarchal structures and economic relations for women. Bharat highlighted the significance of the number 27 in Austen's fiction, representing the age at which women might lose economic security and be forced into undesirable marriages.Nick compares Austen's portrayal of a claustrophobic society to modern experiences of social media, where individuals are constantly under scrutiny. They also discussed Austen's innovative narrative style, which allows readers to connect with marginalised female characters while highlighting their societal constraints.Slavery in Austen's 'Mansfield ParkBharat and Nick discuss the portrayal of slavery in Jane Austen's "Mansfield Park," analyzing whether the novel is complicit with the social injustices of its time. Bharat argues that while the novel acknowledges the economic and ethical presence of slavery, it does not easily draw the conclusion that Austen is complicit with it. Instead, he suggests that the novel highlights the socio-economic guilt of the early 19th century without offering a solution, reflecting the characters' anxious avoidance of discussing slavery.Read all about it! Dr Bharat Tandon is a writer and lecturer at the University of East Anglia's School of Literature, Drama and Creative Writing.A graduate in English literature from Trinity College, Cambridge, Bharat then taught at Cambridge from 1995 to 2006, and at Oxford from 2006-11, before joining the UEA in 2012. His research and teaching interests take in British literature from 1700 to the present day, and American literature from 1900. His doctoral research was on Jane Austen, and he has worked in detail on other nineteenth-century novelists such as Charles Dickens, George Eliot, and Thomas Hardy, as well as on British Modernist writers such as Henry Green. In addition to his academic research and teaching, he been active since 1994 as a commentator on contemporary British and American fiction and culture, writing regularly for publications such as The Times Literary Supplement and The Daily Telegraph.Nick Cohen's @NickCohen4 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.

A Lowdown Christmas special with Rev. Richard ColesRichard Coles is a man of many parts and many talents - a former rock star turned vicar, who inspired the BBC TV series "Rev" and continues to be a prominent figure in religious and media circles, presenting radio shows and writing thrillers. With Lowdown host Nick Cohen, Richard explores the declining role of Christianity in Britain, with discussions about the changing nature of religious practice and the tension between moderate and more politically charged forms of faith.The pair talk about the relationship between religion and politics, particularly focusing on how Christianity is used as an identity marker and the challenges faced by institutions like the Church of England in addressing societal changes. Richard and Nick examine the current state of modern conservatism, discussing its shift towards destructive politics and the decline of the centre-right in Britain.Declining Christianity in Modern BritainRichard and Nick also discuss the declining role of Christianity in Britain, noting a drop from 71% Christian in the 2001 census to 42% in 2021. Richard explores the tension between those with a part-time faith who attend Christmas services and committed Christians who hold strong beliefs.Christianity, Politics, and Social ChangeRichard and Nick discuss the relationship between religion and politics, particularly focusing on how some people use Christianity as a marker of identity against liberalism and Islam. Richard explains that while many people affiliate with Christianity for social reasons, true faith involves transformation and challenge. The conversation then shifted to the Anglican Church's stance on same-sex marriage, with Richard noting that while the Church has tentatively approved blessings for same-sex couples, conservative elements are pushing back against this progress. They discuss the rise of post-liberalism in both America and Britain, with Nick suggesting that homophobia is a key driver of this movement, which Richard agrees was often true.Conservative Church's LGBTQ+ OppositionNick Cohen and Richard Coles discuss the Conservative grouping within the Church of England, particularly Holy Trinity in Brompton, London,, which has opposed LGBTQ+ inclusion and embraces a pessimistic, ahistorical view of Christianity. They highlight the influence of figures like Paul Marshall, who owns media outlets critical of the Church of England, and connect this movement to broader right-wing ideologies. The conversation touches on how these groups have shifted rapidly, becoming increasingly hostile to LGBTQ+ individuals and embracing conspiracy theories.Decline of Center-Right in BritainNick and Richard discuss the decline of the centre-right in Britain, noting how extreme positions attract more attention and funding, particularly from the American market. They highlighted the increasing polarisation and rancour in political discourse, comparing it to historical conflicts like the Wars of the Roses. Richard shared his experiences as a vicar, including conducting services like a "Blue Christmas" for those who find the holiday season difficult. They also discussed the challenges faced by the Anglican Church in reconciling its traditional views with the changing societal norms on issues like gay marriage. Nick expresses concerns about the future of institutions like the Church of England and the BBC, while Richard suggested that such institutions might be missed once they are gone.Read all about it!The Rev. Richard Coles is an author, radio presenter and a former 1980's rock star - one half of the 1980's pop duo sensation - The Communards (with Jimmy Somerville) and, before then, Bronski Beat! Richard's latest thriller is Murder at the Monastery: A Canon Clement MysteryNick 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.

Trump and MAGA see European values and societies as the real enemiesNick Cohen talks to the leading US commentator Charlie Sykes about the impact of the highly controversial US National Security Strategy 2025 which has overturned 80 years of post-war security strategy and threatens the very social and political fabric of Europe, as well as its security.Incredibly, in this document, the US says it will support nationalist far right parties in overturning European governments and says it will do all it can to destroy the European Union. The document - described as "obscene" by one former US ambassador to the EU - also strikes a dagger to the heart of NATO, clearly marking out its former security partners in the Alliance as the real enemies while failing to criticise the brazen illegality and aggression of Putin's Russia.The US has "switched sides" to stand shoulder to shoulder with our enemiesCharlie's stark conclusion: "This is what they're saying to the entire world. And again, the loathing for the democracies of Western Europe, the loathing for the allies who have been with us since World War II really can't be overstated. It is deep and, quite frankly, there has to come a moment when I think the rest of the world has to say that the United States has switched sides."Discussion summaryCharlie and Nick discuss the implications of the new strategy for American foreign policy, particularly regarding relations with Russia and Europe. The discussion explores how the strategy aligns with Moscow's vision and promotes radical right-wing parties, while contrasting conservative reactions between the US and UK. The conversation concluded with an examination of Trump's presidency and its potential dangers, including immigration policies, weaponisation of justice departments, and the broader implications for American democracy and political norms.Read all about it!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.