Mid-Atlantic - conversations about US, UK and world politics

If you thought the idea of the US buying Greenland was a historical curiosity, think again. In this episode of Mid-Atlantic, Roifield Brown returns to YouTube with geopolitical analyst Pyotr Kurzin of The Global Gambit to peer into the mess that is Trump-era foreign policy is creating in the North Atlantic. Spoiler: It’s not just about a frozen island with more musk oxen than people. It’s a full-blown stress test for NATO, Europe, and what’s left of the post-WWII international order.Kurzin lays out the Trump worldview: alliances are optional, leverage is everything, and territorial sovereignty is up for negotiation. European leaders are adjusting, some more bravely than others. Macron is saying the quiet part out loud, Germany is quietly recalibrating, and the UK is hedging its bets, Brexit hangover and all.This isn’t just about Greenland. It’s about whether Europe can finally stop outsourcing its security to a partner that may now be actively undermining it. The conversation ends with an uncomfortable but necessary truth. If this is the new normal, then Europe, Britain included, needs to grow up, gear up, and rethink everything from trade to deterrence.Selected Quotes from the Episode“Trump sees Greenland as an extension of the Americas, which therefore by default is de facto America’s to control.”“Europe needs to behave in the reality that it is, not in the way that it wants it to be.”“We live in an age of international disorder.”“Britain needs to pick a side. Be more consistent in its messaging and positioning.”“Hope is not a strategy.”Further Reading & References from the EpisodeThe Global Gambit YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@TheGlobalGambitThe Global Gambit Substackhttps://theglobalgambit.substack.comFinancial Times illustration of global powers carving up the worldhttps://www.ft.com

A defection, a photocopied resignation, and an airborne crisis: welcome to politics in 2026.In this week’s episode of Mid-Atlantic, Royfield Brown leads a transatlantic panel through the latest signs of fracture on the British right and a chaotic shift in U.S. foreign policy. Robert Jenrick’s defection from the Conservatives to Reform UK is dissected not as a grand ideological realignment, but as a cynical career move amid a floundering party machine. Corey Bernard and Tanya Altrade offer little sympathy, framing the departure as more “photocopier farce” than political earthquake, while Logan Phillips warns of what happens when short-termism becomes the only strategy left standing.Attention then pivots to Washington, where Trump’s erratic foreign policy has turned the Monroe Doctrine into something far more impulsive—and combustible. From the disastrous optics of promising support to Iranian protesters (then ghosting them), to the bizarre muscle-flexing over Greenland, Logan paints a picture of a White House driven by ego, not doctrine. As European troops cautiously land in Greenland and NATO solidarity is tested in real-time, the panel reflects on the geopolitical aftershocks of U.S. unpredictability.The episode closes on a lighter note—sort of—with Gregorian chants, Game of Thrones hypotheticals, and Roy Field’s lament that YouTube might be eating TV’s lunch… and possibly dinner.Selected Quotes:“Robert Jenrick left the Conservative Party because he saw no future in it, only a future for himself elsewhere.” — Corey Bernard“Farage is not anti-establishment. He’s just mad the establishment won’t let him in.” — Tanya Altrade“Americans want to be the big dog, but not the bully. Trump makes that distinction hard.” — Logan Phillips“We’re living in a world shaped by how Donald Trump’s father treated him.” — Corey BernardFurther Reading & Links Mentioned:Race to the White House – Logan Phillips' election forecasting siteBreaking Points on YouTubeThree-Eyed Theorist on YouTube (Game of Thrones What-Ifs)Chess.com YouTube ChannelScreen Crush – Film and Marvel CommentaryGregorian Chant YouTube SearchNext Episode Preview:Join us next time as Mid-Atlantic shifts to YouTube—bringing panelist beards, political insights, and probably more broadband-related complaints into full 4K view.

Host: Roifield BrownProducer: Connor BegleyGuests: Mike Donahue, Mike Holden, Tony AlltradeEpisode summaryThis week, Mid-Atlantic looks at what happens when the “rules-based international order” stops behaving like a system and starts behaving like a slogan. The conversation centres on the US seizure/extraction of Venezuela’s president and the eerie normalisation of an act that by the usual standards would be labelled rogue behaviour. From there, the panel widens the lens: spheres of influence, NATO’s credibility, Britain’s silence, and the uncomfortable possibility that “rogue state” is becoming a category defined by power, not principle.What we coverThe “rules-based order” feels retired: how language about sovereignty and international law collapses when allies break it.Why Britain went quiet: the panel digs into the significance of Keir Starmer’s (and the UK government’s) muted response—and what that says about the “special relationship.”Foreign policy vs domestic distraction: is this about strategy (oil, BRICS, China/Russia influence), or a political smokescreen (Epstein files, domestic turmoil, midterms)?“Trump pushes until stopped”: the idea that boundary-testing is the method, not a side-effect.Greenland as the next anxiety: not just as a hypothetical, but as a test of whether NATO is a system with teeth or a club with vibes.Spheres of influence, back to the 19th century: are we sliding into a three-bloc world and if so, what replaces the pretence of universal rules?NATO: paper, system, or faith?: argument over whether annexation would shatter the alliance or merely bruise it.The “moral high ground” problem: what the West can and can’t say about Russia/Ukraine or China/Taiwan after a precedent like this.Can US institutions stop a rogue executive?: sharp disagreement on whether the military, courts, Congress, or wider civil society can meaningfully constrain Trump.Consequences if the order collapses: sanctions, trade wars, defence spending spikes, market shock, and realignment away from US leadership.A little football palate cleanser: Arsenal title optimism, Burnley survival nerves, Portsmouth loyalty, and a classic Mid-Atlantic sign-off.Key moments & quotes (highlights)Ro: “If that doesn’t count as rogue behaviour, then the term has become meaningless.”Mike Donahue: “He’ll push and push and push boundaries until someone actually stops him.”Mike Holden: “Yes, any maniac looks strong. But that doesn’t mean they’re trustworthy.”Tony: “We’re almost having to reset… we have no semblance of what is right again.”On NATO/Europe’s response: “Very strongly worded diplomatic messages… very strongly worded.”Big questions the episode asksWhat does a world look like when rules become optional?Who gets to break the rules and who gets punished for trying?If the old system is dead, what replaces it: blocs, spheres, or chaos?How does the West criticise Russia or China after this precedent?Is the real battle now internal to the US rather than international?People & accounts mentionedMike Donahue — (social: discussed on-air)Mike Holden — @MikeHolden42Tony (“Alltrade”) — @alltrade_ (Twitter) / Tony on the… / alt aLT (as mentioned)Closing beatThe episode ends where it began: with disbelief, unease, and a running (and increasingly personal) disagreement between Ro and Donahue about whether anyone can stop Trump or whether the rest of the world is simply getting a late invitation to the chaos Americans have already been living through.

In this week’s episode of MidAtlantic, host Roifield Brown asks whether Donald Trump’s corrosive rhetoric is a momentary blip or a seismic shift in the way American presidents speak and more importantly, lead. Is the bar for political discourse permanently lowered, or are we just watching a uniquely toxic figure dominate a uniquely toxic moment?The transatlantic panel includes Steve Krone in LA, Denise Hamilton in Houston, Mike Donahue in the U.S., and Mike Holden in Preston, UK. Together, they grapple with whether Trump’s verbal scorched-earth tactics are just personal style or indicative of something more lasting. Krone argues the bigger threat isn’t Trump’s words but his authoritarian ambitions. Hamilton disagrees, insisting rhetoric and policy now move hand in hand, eroding trust in institutions and in each other. Donahue adds that Trump’s cult-like grip on the Republican base makes critique feel futile. “There is no bottom,” he says.From the UK, Holden observes the creeping Trumpian tone in Reform UK’s politics. One Reform candidate telling David Lammy MP to “go back where he came from” may be Britain’s own grotesque baby step in that direction. But Boris Johnson, for all his rule-breaking, used elevated language. Trumpism in tweed, you might say.So what’s the right response? Fight fire with fire or take the high road? The panel is split. Gavin Newsom’s choice to hit back with the same kind of crassness raises the question: is this tactical jiu-jitsu or just more degradation of political standards?The conversation closes with a tribute to Rob Reiner, whose films offered a more decent and coherent version of the American story. The contrast is stark and perhaps intentional.Five Key QuotesSteve Krone: “Trump is vile, yes, but has he changed the baseline of political discourse? I don't think so.”Denise Hamilton: “Rhetoric plus policy equals destruction. That’s the true Trump legacy.”Mike Donahue: “There is no bottom. We’ve just given up caring. If you haven’t figured out who Trump is by now, there’s no hope.”Mike Holden: “Some UK politicians are trying out Trumpism but in lowercase.”Denise Hamilton: “How do you fight a sociopath? Michelle Obama said go high. My mother said gouge their eyes out.”Further Reading & MentionsRob Reiner's Work and TributesRob Reiner's IMDb FilmographyThis Is Spinal Tap (1984)Politics and RhetoricPeople for the American Way (Founded by Norman Lear)Harry Enten’s CNN Polling on TrumpTrump’s Approval Ratings – FiveThirtyEightGavin Newsom OnlineGavin Newsom on X (Twitter)

In this episode, RoyField Brown revisits his Birmingham radio roots with an interview that blends the local and the political. Green Party councillor Julian Pritchard joins from his ward of Druids Heath and Monyhull, a place that even the most civic-minded Brummies might struggle to locate on a map. But that’s the point. Pritchard has been trying to change that for over seven years, turning up, knocking doors, chasing bin collections, and campaigning for a more equitable form of regeneration that isn’t developer-led and value-extractive. His success there is more than a hyper-local curiosity. It’s part of a wider green moment.The conversation moves between the nitty-gritty of grassroots activism and the broader surge in national Green Party support, spurred in part by leader Zack Polanski’s recent media breakthrough. Pritchard, a methodical campaigner, credits Polanski with articulating long-held Green values, on social justice and climate policy alike, with clarity and conviction. Unlike Labour’s technocratic drift, the Greens now appear to be talking about transformation and redistribution, and crucially, they’re being heard.As for Druids Heath, it's a case study in how regeneration can alienate when it doesn’t centre residents. Pritchard pushes back against full demolition plans for the estate, highlighting the murky logic of “affordable housing” that may not be affordable at all. He’s advocating for proper social housing, not policy euphemisms. Amid a national housing debate, the fate of Druids Heath could be a local test case with national implications.5 Selected Quotes"We need somebody like your leader who can grab the attention and articulate a vision, not just for now, but where we are going." — RoyField Brown"It's about changing systems and policies, not saying that everybody makes real choices." — Julian Pritchard"People felt taken for granted, and nobody did anything." — Julian Pritchard"This is trust us from the council that's delivered us equal pay liability, bankruptcy, Oracle disaster, yearlong bin strike..." — Julian Pritchard"To save the planet fairly, we’ve got to focus on both people and planet." — Julian PritchardFurther Reading & Links MentionedGreen Party UK – Official party siteZack Polanski's profile – London Assembly bioBirmingham Regeneration Plans – Birmingham City Council’s regeneration proposal for Druids HeathShared Ownership vs. Social Rent Explained – Shelter UKPodcast Producer Connor Begley

What do a Democratic Socialist in New York and a Green Party leader in Britain have in common? Charisma, clarity, and, apparently, a hatred of high bus fares. In this episode of Mid-Atlantic, host Roifield Brown and the transatlantic panel tackle the political rise of Manami in NYC and Zack Polanski in the UK—two left-wing politicians who’ve gone from fringe to front page without watering down their message.Manami’s victory over Andrew Cuomo to become New York’s mayor-elect wasn’t just an electoral upset; it was a messaging masterclass. Free buses, city-run groceries, and rent freezes—policies that many establishment Democrats wouldn't touch with a barge pole—landed him in City Hall with a wave of grassroots energy and a TikTok-savvy machine behind him. Meanwhile, across the pond, Polanski’s strategic reframing of the Green Party—away from "tree hugger" stereotypes and toward a hard-hitting, cost-of-living political vehicle—has seen the party overtake the Lib Dems and Tories in membership numbers.But is this revival of unapologetic leftism a fleeting blip, or a realignment? Can charisma and clear messaging finally outgun billionaire-backed centrism and weary technocracy? Roifield is joined by regulars Denise Hamilton (Houston), Steve O'Neill (London), Cory Bernard (Manchester), and Mike Donahue (Los Angeles) to unpack what the centre-left keeps missing—and why hope might just be the most radical policy of all.Five Standout Quotes:“If people feel seen, they feel heard, they feel valued, they will support you—and they will vote for you.” – Denise Hamilton“Corbyn always sounds like someone’s just stolen his lunch.” – Corey Bernard“Even if you elect Bernie Sanders president, how effectual is he going to be? But the mayor of New York—he can change things.” – Mike Donahue“Polanski just sounds like he enjoys it. Same message as Corbyn, but without the gloom.” – Steve O'Neill“We’ve embraced a cynicism and a hopelessness that Manami rejected—and people gravitated to it.” – Denise HamiltonPanel Social Handles:Denise Hamilton: @officialdhamMike Donahue: [@MichaelDonahue on Bluesky]Steve O’Neill: [@SteveZeroONeill] – Mostly on LinkedInCory Bernard: @168PolymerNext Episode Tease:Will the UK general election be a bloodbath for Labour—or will Starmer’s centrism survive the green wave? Stay tuned.Need tweaks to match a specific platform (Spotify, Apple, etc.) or want a shorter version for email/newsletter blasts? Let me know.

In this charged episode of Mid-Atlantic, host Roifield Brown is joined by Palestinian analyst Mouin Rabbani, along with regular contributors Cory Bernard in Manchester and Mike Donahue in Los Angeles, to lay bare the harrowing conditions in Gaza and the political cowardice of the West. With over 60,000 Palestinians killed and famine declared by the IPC, the panel asks a blunt question: why does the so-called democratic world continue to stall, excuse, and equivocate?Rabbani underscores the systematic assault not just on Gaza, but on the Palestinian people as a whole — from military aggression and forced displacement to attempts at erasing Palestinian refugees from political consideration. The conversation pivots to the deafening silence from Washington, London, and Brussels, and the wider consequences for international law, human rights, and geopolitical credibility. Meanwhile, domestic shifts are underway: US support for Israel is fracturing along generational lines, while in the UK, groups like Palestine Action face state repression under terrorism legislation — raising questions about civil liberties and the hypocrisy of Western democratic claims.Finally, the guests wrestle with the viability of a two-state solution. Mouin Rabbani insists that any hope for Palestinian sovereignty must come with political renewal and an end to the current PA-Hamas schism. But even that hinges on one thing Western governments refuse to offer: meaningful pressure on Israel. For now, the focus must be immediate — stop the famine, stop the bombs, and stop the enabling.Selected Quotes"The PA has essentially assumed the role of a powerless spectator." — Mouin Rabbani"It's Marjorie Taylor Greene saying, 'Why are we supporting genocide?' That's how much the conversation has shifted." — Roifield Brown"You should not be able to break into an RAF base. That says more about our military than it does about Palestine Action." — Cory Bernard"The West has made Israel a special case because of the Holocaust. That indulgence is eroding — and fast." — Mouin Rabbani"We can talk about statehood tomorrow. But tonight, people are starving. Get them food." — Roifield BrownFurther Reading & ResourcesFamine Review Committee / IPC: https://www.ipcinfo.orgHaaretz Podcast & Coverage: https://www.haaretz.comInternational Court of Justice – South Africa v. Israel (Genocide Case): https://www.icj-cij.org/case/192Palestine Action: https://palestineaction.orgUN Headquarters Agreement: https://www.un.org/en/about-us/host-country

Mid-Atlantic: Gaza—Moral Clarity and ComplicityGuests: Dave Smith (North London), Michael Donahue (Los Angeles), Tonye “T” Trade (East London), Safana “Saf” Monajed (East London) Host: Roifield BrownEpisode summaryRoifield opens with a stark personal statement: Gaza is a genocide, and Britain’s leadership—particularly the Labour government—has failed morally and politically. The panel examines the collapse of a “rules-based order,” Western complicity, media cowardice, the role of the IDF, Netanyahu’s politics, and why Arab and Western governments have not stopped the slaughter. The conversation closes with appeals to justice, courage, and hope.One quote per speakerRoifield Brown (Host): “There comes a point when you have to stand up and call out mass murder and crimes against humanity when you see them on your smartphone, your TV, in your newspaper.”Dave Smith: “Yes, it is genocide—ethnic cleansing—and a holocaust in our own time; the rules-based order has given way to might-is-right.”Michael Donahue: “Netanyahu isn’t leading so much as riding a wave of anti-Palestinian sentiment—everything about this is just crushingly depressing.”Tonye Altraide “This is the naked expression of extreme Zionism; our media’s silence is enforced by influence, cowardice, and self-preservation.”Safana “Saf” Monajed: “What you see on the micro you see on the macro—states and people alike choose self-preservation over justice.”Key themesThe collapse of Western moral authority and selective application of “rules-based order.”Genocidal rhetoric, systematic targeting of civilians, and destruction of civilian infrastructure.Media gatekeeping and the costs of speaking plainly about Gaza.U.S./UK complicity through arms and political cover; cautious divergence only very recently.Arab regimes’ calculus of self-preservation.Holding onto a “moral imperative of hope” and a future Palestinian state.

This week’s Mid-Atlantic served up a blistering transatlantic roundup, with host Roifield Brown and a sharp panel of commentators dissecting political dysfunction from the White House to Westminster. First, Elon Musk’s abrupt departure from the Trump administration drew collective side-eye. Denise Hamilton called it a “planned grift,” while Michael Donahue reminded us Musk’s firms are still swimming in government contracts. As for public perception? Let’s just say Tesla’s aura now smells a lot like diesel.Next, Trump’s vendetta against Harvard and foreign students provoked righteous fury. Michael labelled it “vindictive chaos,” while Denise broke down how this could gut America’s soft power for decades. Meanwhile, Cory Bernard coolly suggested British universities may opportunistically benefit from Trump’s xenophobic overreach. A win for Oxford, a loss for everyone else.On the UK side, Labour’s Brexit “reset” is, according to Cory, “technocratic fudge.” While the EU quietly standardises global regulation, Britain remains a rule-taker masquerading as a rule-maker. The panel skewered Starmer’s “quiet alignment” approach, calling it necessary but cowardly. Gaza and the UK’s too-little-too-late condemnation of Israeli settlements brought a sombre close, with Denise lamenting performative outrage after the damage is done. Oh, and Trump’s tariffs? Illegal, inflationary, and economically suicidal—now rubber-stamped as such by the courts.Selected Quotes from the Episode“This is just a three-card monte. You’re looking over here, meanwhile, you’re being robbed mercilessly.” – Denise Hamilton“You can’t run a country like a business because government’s job isn’t to make money—it’s to deliver the mail and send checks to old people.” – Michael Donahue“The UK’s condemnation is just performative. Now that Gaza’s flattened, suddenly everyone finds their moral compass.” – Cory Bernard“We are experiencing a level of grift we can’t even process.” – Denise Hamilton“The EU is stealthily rewriting global corporate governance—and Britain is just cosplaying sovereignty.” – Roifield Brown