Ukraine War Update BUMPER NEWS: Geopolitical News - Populist Cabal, Lithuania, & Orban

"I think sometimes we overlook the fact that America both wanted and encouraged and created the environment in which over-reliance upon the United States became [something] which they are now complaining about. Yes, exactly that. And their status on the world stage depends upon the over-reliance and the Pax Americana." - James O'Brien (quoted by Jonathan)

Hello Team

🎦 00:00.000-00:17.840
Jonathan welcomes viewers to the second part of the Ukraine war news update for 4th May 2025.

• He wishes everyone "May the 4th be with you."
• He mentions being "dressed up in bishop's regalia" (likely a humorous reference to his attire or a prop).

Return to top⤴️

Video Focus: Geopolitics Surrounding Ukraine

🎦 00:17.840-00:34.580
The video will cover the geopolitical landscape concerning the war in Ukraine, occasionally extending to broader global politics.

Return to top⤴️

Analysis of Sanctions Imposed on Russia Since 2014

🎦 00:35.320-01:45.360
Jonathan discusses an analysis of sanctions against Russia:

• Since 2014, approximately 29,000 sanctions have been imposed on Russia, mainly by the US.
• The US had a head start, being more concerned with Russia and Ukraine from 2014-2022. Sanctions increased particularly towards the end of the Biden administration.
• Top imposing entities (according to a report):
  • United States: 7,384 restrictions (25.5% of all restrictions).
  • Canada: 3,639 restrictions (12.6%).
  • Switzerland: 3,266 restrictions (11.3%).
• Jonathan questions if the EU as a whole is excluded from this specific report's figures, suggesting it might be looking at individual countries.
• He notes the EU, with its (hypothetical) 17th package of sanctions by May 2025, would likely be in a different position compared to 2014.

Return to top⤴️

OPEC+ Oil Output Hikes and Impact on Russia

🎦 01:45.360-07:52.800
Russia is expected to suffer significantly from OPEC+ speeding up oil output hikes.

• OPEC+ Explained:
  • OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) acts as a cartel to control oil production and prices, often in opposition to non-OPEC producers like the US.
  • OPEC+ includes Russia and other nations aligned with the Middle Eastern approach, often anti-American economically.
• Planned Output Increases:
  • OPEC+ may unwind 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of voluntary cuts by November 2025.
  • Speedy hikes are likely in July, August, September, and October 2025.
  • Saudi Arabia warns against non-compliance by members.
  • Oil reportedly fell to a four-year low in April 2025 (below $60/barrel).
  • (Former President) Trump is to visit Saudi Arabia in May 2025.
• Saudi Arabia's Motivations:
  • Saudi Arabia, as OPEC's de facto leader, aims to punish Iraq and Kazakhstan for poor compliance with production quotas.
  • Riyadh signals it's unwilling to prop up the market any longer.
  • This shift suggests the kingdom wants to expand its market share after five years of deep output cuts.
• Trump's Stance:
  • Trump has asked OPEC+ to pump more oil to ease US gasoline prices and combat inflation, despite his "drill, baby, drill" rhetoric.
• Impact on Russia:
  • Increased oil supply leads to cheaper prices.
  • If prices fall too low, Russia could make a loss per barrel.
  • If Russia agrees to pump more at a loss, it would create larger economic losses, described as "economically suicidal to a degree."
• Details of Cuts and Hikes:
  • OPEC+ is currently cutting output by almost 5 million bpd (5% of global demand).
  • Cuts were agreed in stages since 2022, many due to remain until end of 2026.
  • In December (likely 2024), OPEC+ agreed to phase out 2.2 million bpd voluntary cuts by end of September 2026, but accelerated this process from May 2025.
  • A further hike for June 2025 takes the total release in April-June 2025 to nearly 1 million bpd.
  • Another 411,000 bpd release is likely for July 2025.
• Jonathan wonders how Russia will react, noting that OPEC, the Saudi government, and Russian Deputy PM Alexander Novak's office did not immediately comment.

Return to top⤴️

Romanian Presidential Election: Pro-EU vs. Far-Right

🎦 07:53.420-08:41.260
Romanians are voting in a presidential election (first round).

• This follows a previous election annulled due to Russian influence.
• The situation is challenging for the pro-EU liberal side.
• A favourite is George Simion, described as an ultra-nationalist, far-right Eurosceptic. His potential win is something to watch.

Return to top⤴️

Orbán vs. Zelenskyy: Hungary's Stance on Ukraine's EU Accession

🎦 08:41.260-10:33.680
Tensions are high between Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding Ukraine's EU membership.

• Orbán's Position:
  • Responded to Zelenskyy, stating "Without Hungary, there will be no accession. Even Hungarians will have their say, whether you like it or not."
  • Dismissed a poll cited by Zelenskyy showing 70% of Hungarians support Ukraine's EU bid.
  • Tweeted that what Hungarian people think is not decided in Kyiv or Brussels.
• Zelenskyy's Position:
  • Slammed Orbán for "dragging Ukraine into Hungary's elections" and blocking its EU path.
  • Accused Orbán of doing "very dangerous things" and using Ukraine as a political tool.
  • Maintains that most Hungarians support Ukraine's EU accession.
• Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó echoed Orbán, saying Kyiv must accept Budapest blocking Ukraine's EU accession.
• An Orbán-backed referendum in Hungary on Ukraine's EU future began in mid-April 2025 and will last through May. Jonathan expresses scepticism about its fairness.

Return to top⤴️

Brazil's Lula Ignores Zelenskyy, Attends Russian Victory Day

🎦 10:33.680-11:18.720
Brazilian President Lula da Silva has reportedly ignored six meeting requests from President Zelenskyy, including an invitation to Kyiv.

• This occurred just days before confirming his attendance at Russia's Victory Day parade.
• Jonathan attributes this to Brazil's need for Russian fertiliser for its farmers, highlighting close links but wishing morality played a larger part.

Return to top⤴️

Attendance at Russia's Victory Day Parade (May 2025)

🎦 11:19.180-12:02.880
Updates on international attendance at Moscow's Victory Day Parade:

• India: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh cancelled his visit, following PM Modi's decision not to attend. The Deputy Defence Minister will represent India.
• Serbia: Aleksandar Vučić, initially reported as ill and not attending, might now be going.
• Slovakia: Leader Robert Fico, previously not expected, is now apparently going.
• China: Xi Jinping is still "on the cards" to be there, potentially from 6th to 9th May 2025.

Return to top⤴️

Swedish Outrage Over Pro-Russian Rallies; Similar US March

🎦 12:04.000-14:02.120

• Sweden: Migration Minister Johan Forssell is outraged by planned May 9th pro-Russian rallies in Stockholm, tied to the Kremlin-linked "Immortal Regiment." He suggests revoking residence permits for participants who threaten public order.
• United States: An "Immortal Regiment" march was allowed in Washington D.C., parading from the White House to the World War II Memorial. Ukrainian and pro-Ukrainian activists counter-protested.
• Jonathan finds it "distasteful" and comments on the "weird thing" where many, particularly the "MAGA Republican right," find themselves supporting Russia, embracing positions (like perceived communism) they would normally eschew. He notes the "distorted mental contortions" involved.

Return to top⤴️

Former US Ambassador Pressman's Critique of Orbán's Hungary

🎦 14:02.120-19:17.730
Jonathan discusses an interview with David Pressman, former US Ambassador to Hungary, on CNN (Erin Burnett).

• Pressman described how Orbán turned Hungary from Central Europe's "one-time success story" into its poorest EU state and most corrupt, distracting from real economic woes with fake threats. He brands it "conservative," but Pressman calls it "just corruption."
• Jonathan notes Pressman was critical of Hungary and was presumably recalled by the incoming Trump administration, which sees Orbán as a huge ally. Pressman offers a more accurate appraisal of Hungary as an illiberal state causing problems for democracy and transparency.
• Key points from Pressman's interview (audio clip summary):
  • Trump has been "sold a bill of goods" about Orbán.
  • Orbán presents himself as a bulwark against "woke liberal ideologies" but has led a government that, over 15 years, turned Hungary (a post-communist "shining star") into one of Europe's poorest economies and the EU's most corrupt country.
  • Orbán distracts from real problems by pointing to fake ones, which is dangerous.
  • Those exhibiting independence (politicians, churches, universities) feel the force of state resources targeting them.
  • Example: A university refusing to limit academic freedom was effectively forced out of Budapest after Orbán went after its accreditation. Meanwhile, a university run by Orbán's political director received a billion dollars in funding, largely from Russian oil deals.
• Jonathan concludes the interview shows Orbán's grifting and corruption.

Return to top⤴️

Zelenskyy's Diplomatic Engagements: Luxembourg, Australia, Czechia

🎦 19:18.191-20:46.351
President Zelenskyy's recent diplomatic activities:

• Luxembourg: Met with Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel and Defence Minister Yuriko Backes. Thanked them for defence and energy aid. Discussed rebuilding Kryvyi Rih and Ukraine's EU path. Jonathan speculates Luxembourg might be "twinned" with Kryvyi Rih, similar to Denmark's interest in Mykolaiv and Zaporizhzhia.
• Australia: Spoke with re-elected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
• Czechia: (Audio snippet about Czech PM Petr Fiala, though not explicitly named, context implies it) Looking at starting an F-16 training school (though Czechia doesn't operate F-16s, raising questions). Czechia is significantly helping with artillery ammunition, with provision ramping up.

Return to top⤴️

Lithuania's Tough Stance on Russia vs. Hungary's Relaxed Rules

🎦 20:46.351-21:58.991

• Lithuania now strips residence permits from those who visit Russia more than once every three months, aiming to counter Russian influence.
• This is contrasted with Hungary, which relaxes entry rules for Russians, allowing them easy access to the Schengen Area, which Jonathan calls "highly problematic."
• The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that Russian rhetoric towards Lithuania could be setting the stage for military action. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov authored a foreword to a Kremlin-linked book accusing Lithuania of "historical falsification and Russophobia," a potential precursor to increased hostile activity.
• Jonathan notes the Baltic states are "first in the firing line" after Ukraine.

Return to top⤴️

Finland's Innovative Windmill Radar Defence Plan

🎦 21:59.890-22:40.430

• Previously, windmills were not built in eastern Finland as they were thought to interfere with radar.
• Now, Finland plans a "wall" of over a thousand windmills on its eastern border, equipped with the latest radar technology.
• Jonathan calls this "clever," as they would provide renewable energy and act as radar defence against Russian interference.

Return to top⤴️

US-Ukraine Minerals Deal: Obstacles and Implications

🎦 22:40.430-26:48.970
A Euromaidan Press article highlights issues with a US-Ukraine mineral extraction deal:

• Obstacles: Access to Ukrainian resources remains years away due to security risks, damaged infrastructure, and lack of modern geological surveys. Many existing maps are Soviet-era and inaccurate.
• Resources: Ukraine has deposits of 22 of the 50 minerals listed as critical by the US, some in Russian-occupied areas.
• Deal History:
  • (Former President) Trump reportedly urged Ukraine to negotiate with Russia and pushed an initially one-sided mineral deal, giving the US exclusive control over profits, imposing 4% interest, and retroactively converting past US aid into debt.
  • Ukraine has reportedly signed a "more balanced version," but documents are unpublished and require parliamentary approval.
• Expert Opinion (Reid Blakemore, Atlantic Council): This is not an immediate solution to US dependence on China for critical metals.
• Potential Link to Military Actions: Jonathan speculates if the signing of this minerals deal (or progress towards it) "untied Zelenskyy's hands," leading to recent Ukrainian strikes on Crimea and Novorossiysk. He wonders if Ukraine was holding back due to US demands related to the deal and not wanting to anger Russia excessively while it was being negotiated. Russia is reportedly annoyed by the deal.

Return to top⤴️

Trump's Remarks on Ukraine War and Minerals Deal

🎦 26:49.371-31:28.851
Jonathan plays and critiques an audio clip of (Former President) Trump discussing the Ukraine war:

• Trump's Claims (from clip):
  • States he's "closer with one party than the other" in the conflict, implying Russia is being difficult.
  • Claims a "good deal for the American people" to get rare earths (Jonathan says this is incorrect).
  • Calls the war "Biden's war" and claims it wouldn't have happened if he were president.
  • States 5,000 soldiers (Russian and Ukrainian) are dying per week on average, and he wants to "save 5,000 souls."
  • When asked about a red line for walking away, he says "you'll know" and speaks of "tremendous hatred" between the two sides/men.
• Jonathan's Commentary:
  • Trump's rhetoric is unhelpful and contains incorrect claims (e.g., about loan agreements, weapon tracking).
  • He hopes Trump understands the hatred for Russians is justified, unlike any perceived hatred for Ukrainians, but doubts it.
• A spiritual advisor reportedly briefed Trump, stating the US "will not turn its back on Ukraine." Jonathan hopes this has an effect.
• Jonathan urges right-wing figures in the US (like Ben Shapiro) to visit Ukraine to understand the conflict beyond Russian propaganda.

Return to top⤴️

Shake-up in Trump's National Security Team: Mike Waltz and Marco Rubio

🎦 31:29.991-34:10.801

• Mike Waltz, former National Security Advisor, was reportedly "shunted sideways and downwards" to US Ambassador to the UN.
• The Washington Post suggests Waltz upset Trump after an Oval Office visit by Benjamin Netanyahu in early February (2025), where Waltz appeared to share Netanyahu's conviction that it was time to strike Iran. This, rather than "Signalgate" (involving Pete Hegseth sharing sensitive data in a Signal group Waltz created), may have been the primary reason for his demotion.
• Marco Rubio, Waltz's (temporary) replacement (as Secretary of State, per later context in transcript), is described as hailing from the same "traditionalist wing" but has "more readily shed his old views" to become a forceful spokesman for Trump, including on Russia/Ukraine policy.
• Jonathan references a Saturday Night Live (SNL) skit depicting Rubio changing his opinion to match Trump's, calling it "the reality."
• He contrasts Rubio, who curtailed his long-held views on Putin/Russia to align with Trump, with Waltz, who seemingly kept some core views, including a hard line on Iran, which clashed with Trump's desired diplomatic approach (despite harsh rhetoric). Waltz agreeing with Netanyahu "behind Trump's back" reportedly angered Trump.

Return to top⤴️

Trump Proposes "Victory Day" Renaming, Sparking Controversy

🎦 34:10.801-38:34.881

• Brian Tyler Cohen reports Trump announced he is replacing Veterans Day with "Victory Day for World War I," which Jonathan notes "sounds very, very Russia-like."
• Trump's Statement (quoted):
  • "Many of our allies and friends are celebrating May the 8th as Victory Day." (Jonathan questions who, hinting at Russia).
  • Claims the US "did more than any other country, by far, in producing a victorious result on World War II."
  • "I am hereby renaming May the 8th as Victory Day for World War II, and November the 11th as Victory Day for World War I. We won both wars. Nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery, or military brilliance."
  • "We're going to start celebrating our victories again."
• Jonathan's Critique:
  • He criticises Trump's "American exceptionalism" and "brash bravado" as unbecoming and insulting.
  • While acknowledging the US's massive impact in WWII, he argues for more nuance, highlighting the Soviet Union's crucial role (e.g., 26 million Soviet deaths, forcing Germany to fight on two fronts).
  • He finds Trump's claim that "nobody was close to us in terms of strength, bravery" particularly offensive to other Allied forces.
• Keith Olbermann's comment: "We won World War II not on May the 8th, but on August the 15th, 1945, when the Japanese surrendered. Trump is a complete moron." (referencing VE Day vs. VJ Day).

Return to top⤴️

Trump Administration's Endorsement of European Far-Right Politics

🎦 38:34.881-42:54.941
Jonathan highlights the Trump administration's involvement with and endorsement of far-right populist politics in Europe.

• Poland: The Polish nationalist opposition (PiS - Law and Justice) presidential candidate, Karol Nawrocki (conservative historian), attended the National Day of Prayer at the White House.
  • His campaign team (Pavel Szefernaker) mocked the frontrunner Rafał Trzaskowski (ruling Civic Coalition, Donald Tusk's party) for rallying with Tusk in Sopot, contrasting it with "Nawrocki with Trump in the White House."
• Germany/Hungary: Viktor Orbán seen shaking hands with Alice Weidel of the AfD (Alternative for Germany), showing Orbán endorsing the German far-right.
• Jonathan's Analysis:
  • The Trump administration (under figures like Stephen Miller, Steve Bannon, Tucker Carlson, J.D. Vance) is endorsing extremist politics in Europe (e.g., AfD, Polish far-right candidate).
  • He equates the MAGA Republican movement with parties like AfD (Germany), Rassemblement National (France), Fidesz (Hungary), and arguably Reform UK, seeing them as "peas in the same nationalist, populist pod."
  • This ecosystem explains why the PiS candidate attends White House events and why figures like Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance get involved in European political designations (e.g., AfD as extremists), even while criticising Europe over press freedom as US press freedom declines.

Return to top⤴️

Trump Reiterates Potential Military Action Against Greenland

🎦 42:54.941-45:30.161
Jonathan plays an audio clip of (Former President) Trump discussing Greenland and Canada.

• Trump's Comments (from clip):
  • When asked if he'd rule out military force to take Greenland, he said "No, you don't rule out anything."
  • When asked about military force to take Canada, he said, "Well, I think we're not going to ever get to that point."
  • Reiterated regarding Greenland: "It could happen. Something could happen with Greenland. I'll be honest. We need that for national and international security. So, I'm ruling out military force to take Canada, but something could happen with Greenland." He later adds, "We'll take care of and we'll cherish them...We need that for international security."
• Jonathan's Reaction: He expresses disbelief ("No. Like, he's saying it seriously"), questioning if this should be laughed off or taken seriously as a threat.
• Contextual Note: The King of Denmark visited Nuuk, Greenland. Jonathan contrasts this with a (hypothetical/past) cancelled trip by J.D. Vance and "Pekka Kelly" because "no one wanted to meet them." He believes Greenland is content being part of Denmark and has no appetite to be invaded by the US.

Return to top⤴️

China and Russia Cheering Trump's Attacks on US Media

🎦 45:31.181-49:41.231
Jonathan discusses a Guardian article titled "A cocktail for the misinformed world: Why China and Russia are cheering Trump's attacks on the media," coinciding with World Press Freedom Day.

• Trump's Actions Against Media:
  • Executive order in March (2025) led to the shuttering of Voice of America (VOA).
  • Ordered the US Agency for Global Media (funding VOA and other independent journalism groups) to be "eliminated to the maximum extent." This halted programming in 49 languages to over 425 million people at a very low cost.
  • Trump wants to defund National Public Radio (NPR) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) (costing $87 million), while planning a military parade estimated at $92 million.
  • Domestically, Trump targets media by taking outlets (CBS, ABC) to court, attempting to block AP access to White House, and calling NPR/PBS "radical left monsters."
• Authoritarian Praise:
  • Margarita Simonyan (RT, Moscow): Called VOA's shuttering an "awesome decision."
  • Global Times (Chinese state media): Crowed that broadcasters were "discarded by the White House like a dirty rag."
  • Ilham Aliyev (Azerbaijan President): Described Trump's move as "very promising."
• Consequences:
  • Authoritarian regimes are emboldened by a US administration attacking media at home and withdrawing from fighting for free information overseas.
  • America's withdrawal from the "geopolitical balancing act" will have far-reaching effects in countries with weak free media. China and Russia are stepping in.

Return to top⤴️

Trump Administration's Negative Impact on US Cybersecurity

🎦 49:41.231-49:31.512
In his first 100 days (of a hypothetical new term), Trump has reportedly "dropped an anvil on US cybersecurity agencies and programs" (Politico).

• He is also reportedly wanting to sack 1,000-1,200 CIA operatives.
• This includes massive staff cuts and a campaign of retaliation against top officials showing "disloyalty."
• Jonathan sees this as Trump being more focused on internal retribution than defending the US from external cyber threats from Russia and China.
• As Russia and China escalate attacks on US critical infrastructure, these actions raise concerns in the cybersecurity community.

Return to top⤴️

US Trade War Impact: Port of Los Angeles Head and Ford CEO Warn of Crisis

🎦 49:31.512-55:07.652
Jonathan plays an audio clip of the head of the Port of Los Angeles discussing the severe impact of the trade war.

• Port of LA Head (Gene Seroka, implied by context, though not named) Insights (audio clip summary):
  • Import volume dropped by about a third (approx. 50,000 20-foot equivalent units) for the upcoming week.
  • CEOs are hitting "pause" on imports, hiring, and capital investment due to tariff uncertainty.
  • Retailers will pass tariff costs (even 10%) to consumers.
  • Global trade is slowing, and economies will follow. Compares current situation to 4% inflation concerns in November (2024), now with added 10 percentage points on Southeast Asia imports.
  • Dock workers will see less overtime, likely work less than a traditional week. Truckers will haul fewer containers. Every four containers mean a job; fewer containers mean fewer job opportunities.
  • If a deal is reached, it will take about a month to normalise shipping (2 weeks to reposition ships, 2 weeks to cross Pacific). This is critical for spring/summer fashion and back-to-school seasons.
  • Retailers have about 5-7 weeks of normal inventory; spot shortages will occur if this continues.
  • Ocean freight from China is reported down 60% (Flexport CEO).
• Ford CEO (Jim Farley) Concerns:
  • Expects massive price hikes and shortages.
  • Many parts (fasteners, washers, carpet, wiring looms) are unavailable and cannot be bought in the US.
  • Automakers/suppliers say relocating assembly lines will take years and are hesitant to commit billions to domestic manufacturing due to uncertainty about trade policy direction, as Trump frequently changes tariff rules.
  • Even with some modifications allowing duty avoidance on some components for two years, car prices will still rise by thousands of dollars.
• Jonathan concludes this is "all pretty darned chaotic" and the uncertainty is bad for business and the economy.

Return to top⤴️

Canadian PM Mark Carney and Trump's Shift in Rhetoric

🎦 55:07.652-56:26.992
Jonathan discusses the new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, and his interactions with (Former President) Trump.

• An audio clip features Carney being asked if Trump insinuated Canada should become the 51st state in their second call; Carney replies, "He did not."
• Jonathan notes that since Mark Carney replaced Justin Trudeau, Trump has reportedly not once mentioned forcing Canada to be the 51st state.
• A source suggests "Trump doesn't have the cards," but Jonathan believes Carney is "pretty wily," knows economics, and is the right person to convey Canada's viewpoint to Trump.

Return to top⤴️

Jonathan's Analysis: US Isolationism and the Price of Lost Influence

🎦 56:26.992-01:02:01.271
Jonathan offers his consistent analysis on US isolationism:

• If the US recedes from the world (trade wars, withdrawing soft power like media/CIA/cybersecurity, pulling out of NATO), it gives up power and the return on investment from that power.
• The NATO "Burden": The US complains NATO allies don't spend enough, but Jonathan argues the US allowed this because the resulting dependence benefited the US.
  • "If you create a dependence on you, you get to dictate to your dependents how things should go. That is the US's strength."
  • Pushing nations towards independence (economic, military, political) means they are less controllable by the US. The US is rescinding its control.
• The Problem of a Vacuum: While non-Americans might see this as a benefit, the issue is powerful players like China and BRICS stepping into the vacuum. Many might prefer US global power over Chinese global power.
• James O'Brien (LBC) Clip: Jonathan plays a clip from James O'Brien's show featuring a caller from Italy.
  • Caller: "We had a world order after World War II that depended so heavily on America. America's gone... maybe it's good that we get this shove... to get over ourselves."
  • James O'Brien: "I think sometimes we overlook the fact that America both wanted and encouraged and created the environment in which over-reliance upon the United States became [something] which they are now complaining about. Yes, exactly that. And their status on the world stage depends upon the over-reliance and the Pax Americana."
  • O'Brien adds it's a "typical Trump tactic... to use the things that he professes to despise to attack the things that give him the power to attack the things he professes to despise."
• Jonathan strongly agrees with O'Brien's succinct analysis, which aligns with his own long-held views. The asymmetry of US security spending was historically beneficial to the US. The massive readjustment under Trump's isolationist wing will not benefit the US in the long run.

Return to top⤴️

Water Scarcity: India Suspends Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan

🎦 01:02:01.271-01:05:06.331
Jonathan discusses the growing importance of water as a resource and potential weapon.

• He uses an analogy of damming a river upstream to ruin countries downstream, noting water will become an increasingly contested resource, evoking dystopian films like Mad Max or Waterworld.
• India-Pakistan Water Dispute:
  • India has stopped the regulated flow of water through the Baglihar Dam on the Chenab River, following its suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.
  • This marks the first suspension in the treaty's 65-year history.
• Context (from Rory Stewart & Alistair Campbell, mentioned by Jonathan):
  • Population explosion in India and Pakistan has dramatically changed the context since the treaty was signed.
  • India's economic growth has outpaced Pakistan's.
  • With massive populations (India over a billion, Pakistan hundreds of millions), water access controlled by upstream nations becomes a critical issue.
• Jonathan finds this an interesting topic, though not directly related to the day's main themes.

Return to top⤴️

Wrap up

🎦 01:05:06.532-01:05:10.711
Jonathan thanks the viewers and signs off, noting it has been a long video.

Return to top⤴️