517. Is Trump Plotting Regime Change in Cuba? (Question Time)

In this episode of The Rest Is Politics, Rory Stewart and Alistair Campbell dissect the growing concern over Donald Trump's escalating rhetoric toward Cuba, framing it as a potential regime change strategy driven by a mix of geopolitical ambition, domestic political calculation, and what they term 'Cuba derangement syndrome.' They trace the narrative from the capture of Nicolás Maduro, which led to the deaths of 32 Cuban security personnel, to Trump’s subsequent economic pressure on Cuba through oil cutoffs and threats, resulting in widespread blackouts. The hosts critique the Republican narrative justifying intervention—citing alleged espionage, Havana syndrome, and autocratic governance—while warning that such arguments mirror those used to justify past interventions in Iran and Iraq, with little regard for humanitarian consequences. They highlight the dangerous precedent of treating international law as optional when a leader declares 'I'm going to take Cuba.' The discussion then pivots to broader themes of alliance erosion, particularly the U.S. undermining of European partners through unilateral actions in Iran and the controversial state visit by King Charles to the U.S., which Trump mocked on Truth Social. The hosts also examine the cultural and political implications of tech monopolies, citing recent court rulings against Meta and YouTube over youth addiction, and the broader 'culture war' brewing between tech elites and regulators. They critique the UK government’s tepid, process-heavy approach to regulating social media, calling it a dilution of a bold policy. The episode closes with a reflection on political populism across the spectrum, from the Green Party’s lack of policy credibility to the rise of figures like Rupert Lowe and the international network of 'strongman' leaders including Trump, Netanyahu, and Orban, all of whom operate with impunity and disregard for democratic norms.