The Edition: Why Trump's ultimate target in this war is China – with Maurice Glasman

The Edition: Why Trump's ultimate target in this war is China – with Maurice Glasman

Author: The Spectator March 6, 2026 Duration: 50:14

As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, what is Trump’s game plan? The Spectator’s cover piece this week, by Geoffrey Cain, argues that Trump’s ultimate target in this war is China; every dictator gone, weakens the Chinese regime. As Freddy Gray explains further on the podcast, Trump’s worldview is shaped by the events he grew up with – including then President Nixon’s visit to China in the 1970s. As well as making sense of Trump’s plan, the Spectator team take us through the dramatic events of the past week, including how Starmer appears to have alienated Britain’s allies over Iran. Plus – Lord Glasman makes the case for Reza Pahlavi, the Crown Prince of Iran, declaring he is 'devoted to the restoration of the Shah’. 


For this week’s Edition, host William Moore is joined by deputy editor Freddy Gray, parliamentary sketch writer Madeline Grant, and peer and founder of Blue Labour Maurice Glasman. 


As well as the Iran conflict, they discuss how Labour should respond to their defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election last week, and if the Gen Z trend of ‘looksmaxxing’ is dangerous, humorous, homoerotic – or all three.


Produced by Patrick Gibbons.


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


Each day, Best of the Spectator offers a curated selection from the wider world of Spectator audio, bringing sharp conversation and thoughtful analysis directly to your headphones. This isn't a single-topic show but a daily dispatch from the front lines of ideas, where politics, culture, and society intersect. You'll hear from the magazine's writers and a host of intriguing guests as they debate current affairs, delve into the nuances of religion, explore the latest in literature, and even share opinions on food and drink. The pace is brisk and the perspectives are unapologetically considered, providing a substantive alternative to the fleeting noise of the news cycle. By compiling the most engaging discussions from their stable of podcasts, The Spectator ensures there's always a fresh, worthwhile listen. Tune in for the kind of witty, informed, and often provocative commentary that has defined the magazine for generations. This podcast serves as your daily audio digest of everything worth talking about, delivered with intellectual vigor and a dash of British flair. It’s a consistent source for those who prefer their commentary to be both timely and timeless.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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