Something really big is happening right now.

I think actually it's bigger than any of us can understand, at the moment at least.

There are two parts to that story.

The first is the continued collapse of neoliberalism.

Particularly in Europe, our growth model simply isn't delivering for most people.

Second is a massive shift in US Empire and particularly how the Americans feel about Europe.

Obviously that was catalyzed by the election of Donald Trump in November

2024, but it's been a long time coming. And for the first time, really, in what, 75 plus years,

the Europeans are having to think concretely about how they look after their own affairs and

essentially defend themselves. These are extraordinary times. Some even use the words

regime change when it comes to the context of Europe's political class, who frankly seem incapable

of doing anything at all. To discuss all of those changing contours, particularly how

our feckless political class on this continent

can't deliver very much. I can think of very few people as good as our guest today here on

downstream. Philip Pilkington is a columnist and a podcaster. He's come on once before and my

God, he was a really great guest, so I'm really looking forward to our conversation today.

Philip Pilkington, welcome to downstream.

Good to be back, Aaron.

Good to be back.

You know, the first one we did, did, I wouldn't say shockingly well,

because I think your insights are worth listening to,

but I didn't expect a million views for that conversation.

...