A radio episode discusses the Monroe Doctrine, a key part of U.S. foreign policy, and explores how different U.S. Presidents, including Donald Trump, have approached international relations. The episode features a conversation with a history professor about these changes in U.S. foreign policy over time. The series aims to understand whether current policies are new or part of longstanding traditions.
Key Facts
The Monroe Doctrine is a key U.S. foreign policy principle.
The episode is part of a series about five major shifts in U.S. foreign policy.
Justin Webb hosts the series and talks with experts about these changes.
Jay Sexton, a history professor, is a guest in this episode.
The series examines how President Trump's approach compares to past U.S. policies.
The episode aims to show if Trump's actions are part of a pattern in U.S. history.
The series is available on Radio 4.
The episode discusses how U.S. foreign policies have evolved over time.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer criticized President Trump's plan to impose tariffs related to Greenland. He said the future of Greenland should be determined by Greenland and Denmark.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer is the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
President Donald Trump suggested imposing tariffs on allies concerning Greenland.
Starmer described Trump's proposed tariffs as “completely wrong.”
Starmer emphasized that Greenland's future should be decided by Greenland and Denmark.
Greenland is part of Denmark but has self-rule for local matters.
Valentino Garavani, the famous Italian fashion designer known for his elegant gowns, passed away at the age of 93 in Rome. He was well-known for his signature "Valentino red" dresses and had dressed many celebrities and influential figures throughout his career. His funeral will take place at the Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri in Rome.
Key Facts
Valentino Garavani died at his home in Rome at the age of 93.
His designs were famous for their elegance and a signature shade known as "Valentino red."
He dressed high-profile figures like Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Julia Roberts.
Valentino's career spanned nearly 50 years until his retirement in 2008.
The designer's funeral will occur in Rome on Friday.
He had a lifestyle similar to his wealthy clients, including owning a yacht and art collection.
Valentino was born on May 11, 1932, in Voghera, Italy.
He founded his fashion house in Rome in 1959 after studying in Milan and Paris.
President Donald Trump invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to join a "board of peace" aimed at resolving conflicts in places like Gaza. This invitation comes while the conflict in Ukraine, where Russia is involved, is still ongoing. The board includes international figures and aims to implement Trump's plans for peace in Gaza.
Key Facts
President Trump invited Putin to join a "board of peace".
The board's purpose is to resolve global conflicts and focus on Gaza's reconstruction.
This invitation occurs amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, which started in February 2022.
Russia seeks to clarify the details of the invitation with the United States.
The board is part of a larger plan, chaired by Trump, to end Gaza's conflict through a 20-point peace plan.
Critics say the board's structure may marginalize Palestinian political influence.
The board includes figures like former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Moscow's relations with Israel have strained due to its position on the Gaza conflict.
The U.S. Department of Defense has approved $1.5 billion to help Peru move its largest naval base from Callao to a location near Lima. This is happening as a large Chinese-operated port opens nearby, raising concerns about China's influence in the region. The project includes various support services and will involve some American personnel for oversight.
Key Facts
The U.S. is funding $1.5 billion for Peru’s naval base upgrade and relocation.
The base will move from Callao to a site closer to Lima, Peru’s capital.
A large Chinese-operated port opened nearby in Chancay in late 2024.
China is Peru’s top trade partner, leading to U.S. concerns about China’s influence.
The upgrade plan includes design, construction, and technical support services.
Up to 20 American personnel may be involved in management and oversight for up to ten years.
The project aims to improve Peru's port infrastructure and security.
The outlined sale does not impact U.S. military readiness or alter the regional balance.
A team from South Africa is assisting in a search for a politician who was swept away by floodwaters in Mozambique. Severe flooding has hit Mozambique, leading to significant damage and over 100 deaths. South Africa is also experiencing flooding, with both countries facing ongoing challenges due to heavy rains and the start of the cyclone season.
Key Facts
A South African team is helping with search and rescue efforts in Mozambique.
The search is for Andile Mngwevu, a South African politician, caught in floodwaters.
Only one person from the same car as Mngwevu has been found; others are still missing.
Floods in Mozambique have killed more than 100 people and damaged infrastructure.
Mozambique's flooding led the President to cancel his trip to an international event.
South Africa sent two helicopters to aid Mozambique's rescue efforts.
Both countries are dealing with severe rain as part of the cyclone season.
In South Africa, a minibus carrying schoolchildren was in a crash with a lorry near Johannesburg, resulting in 13 deaths. Police stated the crash happened when the minibus driver tried to overtake other vehicles, and a case of culpable homicide is being pursued. The incident highlights the frequent road accidents in the country.
Key Facts
Thirteen schoolchildren died in a minibus crash in South Africa, near Johannesburg.
The accident involved a collision with a lorry on a Monday morning.
Eleven students died on the spot, and two others died from their injuries later.
Two students remain in critical condition in the hospital.
The minibus driver was reportedly trying to overtake two vehicles before the crash.
A legal case of culpable homicide is being investigated by the police.
The minibus driver is receiving treatment in a hospital.
Road accidents are a common issue in South Africa, often due to speeding and vehicle maintenance problems.
European leaders are upset by threats from President Trump's administration related to Greenland. They are discussing possible responses, such as tariffs and using a special EU tool meant to counter pressure from other countries.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration made threats involving Greenland.
European leaders are considering how to respond to these threats.
Possible responses could include retaliatory tariffs, which are taxes on imports.
The European Union may use its anti-coercion tool for the first time.
Diplomatic discussions are happening across Europe due to these threats.
The situation has caused a lot of activity and concern among European officials.
A major car accident involving over 100 vehicles occurred on Michigan's I-96 highway due to winter weather conditions. The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office reported multiple injuries, but it is unknown if there are any fatalities.
Key Facts
The accident happened on I-96 between Zeeland and Hudsonville in Michigan.
Over 100 vehicles, including cars, semi-trucks, and tractor trailers, were involved.
Both directions of the highway are closed.
The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office reported multiple injuries.
It is not yet known if there are any fatalities.
This incident is still developing, and more information will be released as available.
Volunteers in Sussex are clearing thousands of chip bags that washed ashore after shipping containers fell into the sea. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact on wildlife and water quality. The clean-up operation is ongoing, with local councils coordinating efforts to manage the situation.
Key Facts
Thousands of chip bags washed up on a Sussex beach after shipping containers fell into the sea.
Volunteers began removing the debris out of concern for wildlife.
The containers had food and packaging from the cargo vessel Baltic Klipper.
Concerns include wildlife eating plastic and water pollution from decomposing chips.
An aircraft surveyed the area, and no new containers were found offshore.
The Eastbourne Borough Council reported that volunteers largely removed the plastic.
Several areas along the Sussex coast were affected by the container spill.
Local councils are working with maritime salvage specialists to handle the situation.
Prince Harry has accused a tabloid publisher of illegal practices like phone hacking. A journalist says she got information about Harry through social contacts, not hacking. The court will decide if her account is true, affecting Harry's claims.
Key Facts
Prince Harry is suing Associated Newspapers, accusing them of illegal practices from 2001 to 2013.
Associated Newspapers denies the accusations of phone hacking.
Journalist Katie Nicholl claims to have gained access to Harry’s private life through social interactions.
Nicholl says she met Harry at a private party when he was 18 and spoke with his friends for her stories.
The case involves an article about Harry's relationship with Laura Gerard-Leigh.
Harry's lawyers argue the article contained private information limited to a small group of friends.
The court must decide if Nicholl’s account offers a valid alternative to the hacking accusation.
Forecasters in the UK predict a change in weather with colder temperatures expected at the end of January and beginning of February. The UK will initially experience wet and windy weather before colder air potentially brings sleet and snow. The Met Office has issued various weather warnings for wind and rain leading up to the colder spell.
Key Facts
The UK is expected to see colder weather at the end of January and early February.
There will be a mix of cold air from the east and milder air from the west.
Wet and windy conditions will occur before colder weather sets in.
The Met Office issued weather warnings, including for wind in south-west England and heavy rain in eastern Scotland.
Colder weather and possible snow are expected mainly in northern areas like Scotland.
Temperatures are expected to drop below average by late January.
There is uncertainty in predicting exact details of snow due to changing temperatures.
The UK's position between cold and mild air contributes to unpredictable weather patterns.
An explosion in Kabul, Afghanistan, resulted in several deaths, as confirmed by the Taliban's Interior Ministry. The blast occurred in a central area known for its security, but details are still emerging.
Key Facts
A blast happened in Kabul, Afghanistan, killing several people.
The explosion took place in the Shahr-e-Naw area of the city.
This area is known for hosting foreigners and is considered secure.
The Taliban's Interior Ministry confirmed the incident and promised more details later.
Such attacks in Kabul have decreased since the Taliban took control in 2021.
ISIL (a militant group) is still active in Afghanistan and sometimes carries out attacks.
Valentino Garavani, a well-known Italian fashion designer, has died at the age of 93 at his home in Rome. Tributes honoring his contributions to fashion are appearing on social media, and funeral services are set to take place in Rome later this week.
Key Facts
Valentino Garavani, a famous Italian fashion designer, has died.
He passed away at his home in Rome at the age of 93.
His foundation announced his death on Instagram.
Funeral arrangements include a lying in state on Wednesday and Thursday.
A funeral will be held in Rome on Friday.
The Italian Prime Minister shared a tribute, calling him a "master of style and elegance."
Many social media tributes are celebrating his fashion legacy.
Dolce & Gabbana is facing criticism for the lack of diversity in its model casting for a fashion show in Milan. Model Bella Hadid and others have publicly criticized the brand for its history of controversy. The brand has faced similar criticisms in the past.
Key Facts
Dolce & Gabbana was criticized for lacking diversity in its recent menswear show in Milan.
Model Bella Hadid called out the brand for "years of racism, sexism, bigotry, and xenophobia."
This is not the first controversy for Dolce & Gabbana; past issues include criticism for previous product names and their stance on social issues.
In 2012, the brand was criticized for earrings resembling “Blackamoor” statues worn by white models.
The designers opposed gay adoption publicly in 2015.
Fashion commentators and influencers have also criticized the brand's recent show on social media.
The criticism highlights a broader trend where fashion brands are judged on diversity and social values.
The chief constable of West Midlands Police, Craig Guildford, resigned after facing criticism for banning Israeli fans from attending a football match in Birmingham. The decision was based on safety concerns due to the history of violent behavior by some Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters. The British media and officials strongly criticized the ban, whereas an independent review found no evidence of bad intentions by the police.
Key Facts
Craig Guildford, the chief constable of West Midlands Police, announced his retirement.
Guildford faced political and media criticism over the ban on Israeli football fans.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood expressed she had lost confidence in Guildford's leadership.
The decision to ban fans was based on a police risk assessment related to previous violent incidents.
An independent review found no evidence of anti-Semitism or bad intent in the decision to ban fans.
Maccabi Tel Aviv fans have a documented history of violent and racist behavior.
Banning football supporters on safety grounds is a common practice in the UK.
British media and government officials strongly opposed the ban on Israeli fans.
Piers Morgan, a British broadcaster, commented on the tensions between the U.S. and Europe over Greenland. President Trump threatened to raise tariffs on several European countries in response to their stance on U.S. control of Greenland. Morgan jokingly suggested the U.K. should repurchase America to ease tensions.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump plans to increase tariffs by 10% on certain European countries due to their opposition to U.S. control over Greenland.
Piers Morgan humorously proposed on social media that the U.K. should buy back the U.S. to enhance North Atlantic security.
Morgan's post about repurchasing America received 8.9 million views.
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, and Trump sees its acquisition as important for U.S. national security.
European countries have shown support for Greenland's autonomy, and European Commission leaders criticized the tariff threat.
European leaders, including UK's Prime Minister, urged for calm discussions instead of imposing tariffs.
President Trump has a history of controversial interactions, including responding to criticism from European leaders.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize to a Venezuelan leader, leading to a symbolic gesture involving Trump.
A polar vortex is predicted to bring very cold temperatures to parts of the United States through January. This weather pattern is expected to cause temperatures to drop below normal, affecting areas in the Great Plains, Midwest, and Northeast. States such as North Dakota and Minnesota could see temperatures fall below -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Key Facts
A polar vortex is causing cold weather in the U.S. through January.
The jet stream is creating a pattern that brings cold air to parts of the country.
States in the Great Plains, Midwest, and Northeast will see below-normal temperatures.
The National Weather Service predicts temperatures below -20°F in northern North Dakota and Minnesota.
An Arctic cold pattern may raise the chances of snow in the Midwest and Northeast.
The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air near the Earth's poles.
This weather pattern is common in winter and often leads to cold outbreaks.
The Israeli military started a large operation in the Hebron area of the occupied West Bank, involving many soldiers and equipment. The goal is to find and remove weapons and stop what they call "terror infrastructure". This action has led to a lockdown in parts of Hebron.
Key Facts
Israeli military and security services launched a major raid in southern Hebron, West Bank.
The operation aims to dismantle "terror infrastructure" and seize weapons.
The military used heavy machinery, such as bulldozers and armored vehicles.
The operation has caused a lockdown in the southern parts of Hebron.
New metal barriers and iron gates were set up by Israeli forces to tighten control.
Video confirmed Israeli forces blocking roads with cement and earth mounds.
At least seven people were arrested during the raid.
The action is occurring near significant sites like the Ibrahimi Mosque, amidst tensions over control of religious locations.
Guatemala declared a 30-day state of emergency after riots in prisons led to attacks on police officers. The violence started when the government restricted gang privileges. At least seven police officers died due to these coordinated attacks.
Key Facts
Guatemala declared a state of emergency for 30 days.
The unrest began in prisons after gang privileges were restricted.
The restriction led to hostage-taking and attacks on police.
At least seven police officers were killed in the attacks.
The situation involves coordinated attacks by gangs.
The emergency declaration is an effort to control the violence.
