Independent Thinking: Can the UK take on the EU, US and China?

Janka Oertel and Sir Martin Donnelly join the podcast ahead of the UK-EU summit to discuss how the UK can manage its ties with the European Union, United States and China.

Audio

16 May 2025 30 minute listen

Although Friedrich Merz has big ambitions for Germany’s international role, significant domestic pressures remain and will constrain his government’s room for manoeuvre.

Failing to align with the EU on a key climate policy tool will be costly for UK industry and stifle investment in the energy sector.

Growing differences with the US president over the war in Gaza and the new government in Syria are compounding domestic pressure on the Israeli prime minister.

This paper explores how NATO can protect its space-based assets from the growing risk of cyberattacks through a framework that focuses on mitigation, adaptation and resilience.

Ursula von der Leyen seated with Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street , with EU and UK flags in the background

The summit will be valuable if it yields a substantive defence agreement. But wider foreign policy issues should be part of the agenda.

Independent Thinking

A weekly international affairs podcast hosted by our director, Bronwen Maddox, in conversation with leading policymakers, journalists and Chatham House experts, providing insight on the latest international issues.

Listen to the latest episode

Trending issues

A volunteer takes position at a checkpoint in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.

Examining how Ukraine can be best supported to end the Russian invasion, and successfully rebuild its society, infrastructure, and economy.

Research includes work on the ongoing peace process, Palestine’s accession to the ICC, and the constantly evolving situation in Gaza.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets supporters at a roadshow on 6 April 2024 in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Research on its domestic politics, state of democracy, water and resource management, and India’s policies towards its neighbours and global standing.

Research and analysis explores US foreign policy, economic issues, and the implications of the 2024 presidential election.

Research focuses on the regional implications of Syria’s 2024 revolution – and foreign and domestic policy in Lebanon and Jordan.

Examining shared principles, norms, rules, decision-making procedures, and programmes that shape the use of information technology and the internet worldwide.

5,000

individuals benefiting from membership and access to our influential network.

500

events each year with world leaders, policymakers and opinion-formers.

250+

experts in their field providing the widest range of independent thinking.

100

years of fostering mutual understanding through ideas, debate and analysis.

Latest content

View all latest content

Janka Oertel and Sir Martin Donnelly join the podcast ahead of the UK-EU summit to discuss how the UK can manage its ties with the European Union, United States and China.

The US prioritizing bilateral talks with Iran over nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) negotiations could lead to contradictions in implementation and put the treaty at risk.

The risk of renewed hostilities will remain in the absence of meaningful political dialogue.

Presented with a binary choice between US and Chinese technology, middle powers must balance realism and ambition in maintaining sovereignty over their technology.

Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE will seek to deepen ties with Washington – but tariffs and oil prices worry Gulf states, as does continuing violence in Gaza.

Marion Messmer, Chietigj Bajpaee and Stephen Farrell join the podcast to discuss the cross-border strikes between India and Pakistan.

Two Pakistani soldiers are pictured holding rifles in Kashmir, May 2025.

The Pahalgam terror attack has returned Kashmir to the international agenda. But a history of flawed policy means neither country can claim moral authority on the region.

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman speaking during a meeting with the UK government, a UK flag prominent in the foreground

But New Delhi’s policy of strategic autonomy – and its brewing conflict with Pakistan – may hamper cooperation in some areas.

Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese celebrates with foreign minister Penny Wong, his son, and his partner after winning the federal election in May 2025.

Albanese has convincingly won a second term but faces a difficult balancing act to boost ties in Europe and Asia while managing complicated relations with Beijing and Washington.

A soldier stands on a pick up truck holding a maching gun at a large gathering.

In this episode, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security HE Ambassador Bankole Adeoye shares his vision for a more peaceful and secure Africa.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (C), Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe (R) and DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner sign a Declaration of Principles between the two countries in Washington, DC, on April 25, 2025.

Washington needs to back projects that support local livelihoods and offer security. It must also clarify US regulation to overcome mining operators’ wariness of investing in the Great Lakes region.

The precarious situation shows the continuing danger of territorial disputes in Kashmir – and of the two countries’ nationalist foreign policies.

Tensions over water have contributed to the outbreak of hostilities, but potential mediation by the World Bank could provide an important chance for engagement.

President Donald Trump greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House.

For some, helping Ukraine is not worth the possibility of war. But if Russia is allowed to continue unopposed, almost everything is at risk.

The move to undermine the organization’s growing appeal has precedent but is risky amid heightened tensions over Gaza and uncertain US policy.

Orysia Lutsevych and Matthew Savill discuss the Ukraine–US mineral deal and the challenges facing Ukraine in the peace negotiations with Russia.

CHP Chairman Özgür Özel is pictured waving at the centre of a huge crowd, at a rally in Ulus Square on 23 April 2025.

The implications will depend on how effectively the opposition can channel the energy unleashed by the arrest into political processes and narratives.

French President Emmanuel Macron (R) and Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party leave after having dinner together in the French Embassy in Berlin.

As Friedrich Merz becomes German chancellor, Emmanuel Macron may finally have found the partner he needs for France and Germany to reshape European leadership.

The British government needs a more comprehensive and forward-looking defence-industrial strategy to ensure its national security.

But the scale and shock of the president’s policymaking threatens to undermine his primary foreign policy objective: maintaining an advantage over China.

Following the worst terror attack in Kashmir since 2019, military escalation is likely.

Isabelle Mateos y Lago and David Lubin join Bronwen Maddox from the IMF Spring Meetings in Washington DC to discuss the instability in the US dollar.

The International Monetary Fund needs finances and governance that reflect the underlying balance in the world economy if it is to remain universal and effective.

Ibrahima Cheikh Diong, the executive director of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage, discusses what progress has been made and what lies ahead for the fund.

Relations between China and India hold great long-term significance for the future of both Asia and the emerging global order. This paper details their relationship and why their competition for influence and status matters to the rest of the world.

The argument that the erosion of the dollar’s global status could benefit the US is gaining traction in Washington. That move would be a needless act of self-harm.

Leena Koni Hoffmann joins Bronwen Maddox to discuss Chatham House’s decade long research into how Nigerians can fight corruption in Nigeria.

A German soldier viewed from behind watches patriot missiles being unloaded.

US tariffs add to the sense of an increasingly unpredictable and unreliable partner. Allies in Europe and the Pacific are questioning foundational assumptions about their security arrangements as a result.

People wave Chinese flags as the Chinese frigate Yantai approaches the shore.

Beijing’s ability to prevent US access to rare earths puts Washington’s long-term strategic goals at risk.

Trump’s trade war has brought Norway even closer to the EU and increased the urgency for it to make a decision about membership.

Upcoming events

Following the recent round of hostilities between India and Pakistan, experts look into the long-term implications for stability in the region and what the crisis means for both countries.

Speakers examine how China’s and the GCC’s involvement in green finance in low- and middle-income countries in MENA achieves the two sides’ sustainability objectives.

How are Asian economies reacting and adapting to Trump’s tariffs and a changing geoeconomic order?

As the UK Prime Minister prepares to meet with European leaders, how can the UK and EU build a more productive future relationship and address the challenges both face?

Join Chatham House Senior Consulting Fellow Galip Dalay, as he explores how Turkey sees its place in global politics, and what it wants to achieve.

What’s next for the Ukrainian diaspora across Europe?

What are the implications for Russia and the West?

Experts discuss the possible alternatives to a US-centric world and how states seek to shape the future international order.

What are the implications of the upcoming presidential election for South Korea, its foreign policy and global security?

Experts discuss how shifts in US tariff policies under the Trump administration are impacting MENA economies.

A panel of experts examine Iraq’s balancing act amid changing US-Iran dynamics.

Following the conclusion of the Chatham House XCEPT research initiative, this event unpacks key findings and explores how policymakers can better respond to the complex realities of a multi-aligned global order.

The 10th edition of Chatham House’s flagship event will bring together leading voices from the worlds of policy, business and academia to respond to the challenge of building global governance in a world without rules.

Latest event recordings

View all event recordings

An assessment of Russia’s crimes and options for accountability.

Examining China and India’s bilateral relationship and how the West should respond.

As the Trump administration marks the 100 days milestone, experts analyse how the Trump administration is rewriting US foreign policy.

The world has changed. Aid needs to change too.

Experts examine the American strategy towards Russia, implications for the war on Ukraine and China’s perspective on warming relations between the two countries.

This conference takes stock of progress in Nigeria’s corruption landscape across the last 25 years and explores opportunities for a sustained renewal of the anti-corruption agenda.

Experts assess Iran’s position following the return of President Trump and a year of regional setbacks.

Experts examine the effectiveness of sanctions on Russia.

India’s rise and role in the world.

In conversation with HE Ambassador Yusuf M. Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria.

In conversation with Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Finland.

Assessing the economic and legal context of Trump’s presidency.

The Independent Commission for Aid Impact (ICAI) and other speakers review the effectiveness of government development assistance.

Experts assess the German election results and the country’s future in the European Union.

Secretary Manalo speaks on the Philippines’ response to regional and global security challenges.

In conversation with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk.

This event, in partnership with the UNDP, examines the experiences gained from peace negotiations on the African continent and the role played by local, regional and international actors.

Experts discuss how the United States’ neighbours are responding to the second Trump administration.

This event examines the most dangerous wars and crises through the lens of International Crisis Group’s flagship annual report Ten Conflicts to Watch.

The role and abuse of the church in Russia’s war on Ukraine, and the state of freedom of faith in Ukraine.

Former President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö, and other experts outline how the EU should respond to meet the security threats of tomorrow.

Experts discuss what to expect from a second Trump administration.

This panel explores the current state and future of Aliaksandr Lukashenka’s rule at its ‘vulnerable’ voting time.

What are the implications of a second Trump administration on US–China geopolitical competition?

Join Chatham House Director and Chief Executive Bronwen Maddox for the 2025 Director’s Annual Lecture.

Jon Finer joins Chatham House to look back at the administration’s national security record and key considerations in 2025.

This online panel will explore key questions on the future of American foreign policy and its implications on global security.

A conversation on AI’s global, societal and economic impacts.

Threat assessment and practical solutions.

How the renewed relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang is destabilising international security.

Our departments and programmes

Our policy research focuses on issues affecting individual states of Africa, and their regional and international relations.

Our research focuses on political, economic and social developments across Asia and the Pacific.

We provide governments, businesses and societies with the information, networks and tools to tackle environmental challenges and accelerate the world towards a sustainable future.

Our research focuses on the future of the EU, European security, and Europe’s role in the world.

We produce policy-oriented research and analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the 21st century global economy.

We provide authoritative analysis and problem-solving to improve global governance in the context of a fracturing world order.

Our research studies economic, political, societal and security trends in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Bringing together the best thinking on the region’s changing dynamics and their global implications.

Established in 2022, the UK in the World programme at Chatham House provides a hub for long-term, in-depth thinking about the UK’s foreign policy choices.

We focus on political, economic and security issues in North, Central and South America and their implications globally.

Featured content

Independent Thinking

Trending issues

A world-leading policy institute

Latest content

Upcoming events

Latest event recordings

Our departments and programmes

Support Chatham House

Support us