Downstream

Downstream is an in-depth interview show featuring conversations with activists, authors, economists, politicians, scientists, philosophers and thinkers of all stripes.

Everything You Need to Know About China & Xi Jinping

Xi Jinping is possibly the most powerful person in the world, but what do we know about his origins, ways of thinking and goals for China and the human race in general? To answer these questions and more, Aaron is joined by Olivia Cheung, author of “The Political Thought of Xi Jinping”. They discuss his […]

India Was the Epicentre of the Ancient World

Historian and author, William Dalrymple, on India in antiquity.

The UK’s Landowning Elite Are Destroying the Countryside

Aaron Bastani talks to Guy Shrubsole, author of ‘The Lie of The Land’.

This Is the Reality for Palestinian Christians

The pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem talks to Ash about the ongoing annexation of the West Bank and the role of Christian Zionists.

This Is the End of the Liberal World Order

Political scientists agree that we are now living in a multi-polar world. How we might have arrived at this new formation and whether the newly powerful actors on the global stage are inherently problematic, remain areas of much disagreement. Someone who has a distinct perspective on this new world order is this week’s guest, Anne […]

Massive Attack Founder on Palestine, Riots and the Greenest Music Festival Ever

Moya Lothian-McLean talks to Robert Del Naja ahead of the Act 1.5 Climate Action Accelerator, a day festival which promises to be the greenest live music event of it’s size ever staged.

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The Truth About the Riots and the White Working Class

The co-editor of Tribune Magazine found himself at the centre of a communication network monitoring the far-right. Here’s his firsthand account of what happened during August’s riots.

Is Humanity Really Heading for Population Collapse?!

During 1960s, fears of planetary ‘overpopulation’ became widespread. And yet, in more recent years, an altogether different worry has emerged: future population decline. Fertility rates have fallen for decades – and in some places centuries – as humans live in cities, gender equality improves and access to birth control becomes widespread. But, according to some, […]

What Do the Riots Say About Britain?

In the wake of the murders in Southport at the end of July, racist violence has swept Britain, but who or what is to blame? And what do these riots say about Britain in 2024?

Carla Denyer on Media Bias, Farage and Weird Westminster Traditions

The Greens doubled their vote share to 7% and have 2 MPs. What happens now?

How the British Establishment Really Works

In his latest book, ‘Good Chaps: How Corrupt Politicians Broke Our Law and Institutions’, Kuper chronicles changes in the instincts of Britain’s ruling class – and how corruption came to be increasingly normalised. What do these elites believe? When did those beliefs change? And who are the people, places and policies that led to such shifts?

Arab Jews: the Hidden History

Avi Shlaim is a historian and author of “Three Worlds: Memoirs of an Arab-Jew”. He joined Ash to talk about the Israeli right, Mossad’s covert operations in Baghdad and what it means to have hyphenated identities.

I Defied the Party Machine and Won. Here’s How

Defying all the odds Corbyn managed to keep his seat, winning almost fifty percent of the vote. He sat down with Aaron Bastani to discuss that achievement, Labour’s performance more generally, the success of other independents elsewhere – and what the future holds for party politics in the UK.

This Is How Propaganda Actually Works

Talking corporate media, secret intelligence and liberal think tanks with Declassifed UK’s investigative chief.

The Tories Are Done and They Won’t Be Coming Back

The Telegraph’s former chief political correspondent speaks to Aaron Bastani about the collapse of the Conservative party.

The Israel Lobby Is Real. Here’s Exactly How It Works

Israeli historian and author Ilan Pappé’s new book details the origins of zionism and the struggles against it throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. He joins Aaron to discuss Harold Wilson, Nye Bevan, AIPAC, Labour Friends of Israel and the Christian roots of Zionism.

Here’s How America Really Runs Britain

The United States’ impact on British culture and foreign policy is obvious. But its influence on our domestic politics, business, and daily lives warrants closer examination. To discuss this, Aaron is joined by Angus Hanton, author of ‘Vassal State: How America Runs Britain’.

Everything You’re Told About Green Capitalism Is Wrong

If the price of green energy is plummeting, why aren’t we transitioning from oil and gas faster? The answer comes down to profitability, explains economic geographer Brett Christophers.