The Tea with Myriam Francois

https://www.theteanetwork.coCan protests really bring about political change?From Palestine solidarity marches to Gen Z uprisings, from France and Spain to India and Brazil, millions are taking to the streets to demand change. But can protest turn into political power?Over the past decade, mass movements have challenged governments and shifted public opinion. Yet turning that collective energy into lasting political change has proved far more complicated. What happens when people take to the streets, but power remains firmly elsewhere?This week on The Tea, award-winning journalist Vincent Bevins joins us. He has spent a decade reporting on protest movements worldwide, and in his latest book If We Burn, he explores what it really takes to turn popular mobilisation into lasting political change.Also in the show:🔥 From Tahrir Square to today's mobilisations— What happens when your enemies hijack your revolution?🔥 Libya and the US doctrine of “regime collapse”— When the overthrow of a government becomes an end in itself.🔥 Gen Z uprisings — Generational protests, or mass movements in which one generation is playing a prominent role?🔥 From the Black Panthers to the current democratic crisis — Who is really advocating for violence? 🔥 From Ukraine to Bahrain — What happens when popular movements become hijacked by foreign interests?🔥 The crisis of the media — Who gets to shape the narrative?Our guest argues that the challenge is building collective power that can withstand repression, resist outside interference, impose real costs on those in power, and turn popular demands into lasting political transformation.#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #VincentBevins #GenZProtests #FranceProtests #YouthActivism #PeoplePower #PoliticalChange #GlobalProtests #Palestine AUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Norman FinkelsteinSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducers: Nadege Bizimungu & Sanjna Selva Assistant Producer: Robyn MoffatResearchers: Aliza Kayan-Ahmed & Saba Ahmadzadeh NoughaniVideo Editor: Max Bubnov An MPWR Productions show.00:00:00 Why Are Mass Protests Failing to Deliver Change?00:03:02 How the Right Hijacked Brazil's Protests00:07:06 How Governments Learned to Defeat Protest Movements00:14:27 Are Today's Protests Repeating the Mistakes of the Past?00:16:45 Why Mobilising Millions Isn't Enough to Win00:21:36 The Problem With Gen Z Protest Movements00:28:32 From Protest to Power: What Actually Works?00:33:25 Are Protests Becoming Mass Surveillance Operations?00:34:53 What Actually Forces Governments to Change?00:39:08 Can Nonviolent Protest Defeat Repressive States?00:56:33 Why the Right Keeps Stealing the Left's Victories01:20:57 The Most Important Lesson for Today's ProtestersDisclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

https://www.theteanetwork.coAre we headed for another Cold War?Four years into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, almost half a million people have been killed, rebuilding Ukraine could cost $588 billion, and there's still no clear endgame.And as the battle of narratives intensifies, the drumbeat for war is getting louder across Europe. Question that narrative and you risk being labelled a Russian propagandist. But is war really inevitable? And what happens when we start treating it that way?This week on The Tea, we’re joined by veteran journalist and author Luke Harding, author of Betrayal: Trump, Putin and The New Age of Conquest, to examine the growing confrontation between Moscow and the West.Also in the show:⚡ The war in Ukraine and the battle of narratives⚡ The human cost: can Russia really be defeated militarily?⚡ Trump & Putin: co-imperialists—or something more?⚡ Is Trump a Russian asset?⚡ Putin and the far right: a growing alliance?⚡ If war can’t be won, what comes next?As the UK edges closer to the frontline of this confrontation, we examine the risks, who benefits, and who pays the price.#ColdWar #Ukraine #Putin #TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #LukeHarding #Russia #NATO #Geopolitics #UkraineWar #Politics #UKPolitics #Trump #PeaceAUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Luke HardingSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducers: Sanjna Selve and Constance Creswell Assistant Producer: Poppy Jacobs Research: Aliza Kayan-Ahmed and Saba Ahmadzadeh NoughaniVideo Editor: Max Bubnov An MPWR Productions show.00:00 Introduction – Are We Heading for Another Cold War? 02:30 Luke Harding on Russia and Being Expelled From Moscow 07:35 Can a Journalist Be Neutral on Russia? 10:23 Why Does the Ukraine War Matter to Britain? 17:22 Is Russia Already at War With the UK? 20:27 Should Britain Keep Arming Ukraine? 24:32 How Drone Warfare Has Changed War Forever 28:39 Did NATO Provoke Russia’s Invasion? 32:47 Putin, Ukraine and the Case Against the NATO Argument 35:58 Can the Ukraine War Actually Be Won? 39:39 Why Putin Won’t Back Down 40:04 Why Does Trump Treat Putin Differently? 45:11 Russia’s Role in Trump’s 2016 Election 47:16 Why Is Trump So Deferential to Putin? 48:15 Does Putin Have Leverage Over Trump? 53:01 Did Russia Interfere in Brexit? 55:20 Russian Influence in British Politics 57:23 Should Russian State Media Be Banned? 01:01:51 Can There Ever Be Peace With Putin? 01:03:17 Does Arming Ukraine Prolong the War?Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

https://www.theteanetwork.coWhat if tech companies had more power over your life than your own government?Big Tech isn't just business anymore. Silicon Valley now runs its own foreign policy. Over 60 countries have opened diplomatic missions there to negotiate with tech companies as if they were nation-states. AI CEOs sit at the same tables as world leaders. And the revolving doors between government and Big Tech are spinning faster than ever.This week on The Tea, former diplomat Dr Jennifer Cassidy, Lecturer in Diplomacy and Technology at the University of Oxford, joins us to break down how Big Tech quietly became more powerful than the states meant to govern it — and why almost no one is stopping it.Also in the show:⚡ Trump's AI deepfakes: a tool of mass confusion⚡ Big Tech: a techno-fascist takeover?⚡ Digital sovereigns: how Big Tech became more powerful than governments⚡ State embassies in Silicon Valley: the new corporate diplomacy⚡ Government officials to Big Tech: revolving doors and the old boys' club⚡ Why regulation keeps falling shortAs our guest argues, tech companies wield power that fundamentally compromises our national security and sovereignty. States should force these companies to be transparent. Right now, they're not.👉 Subscribe for independent, unfiltered conversations🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #AI #BigTech #TechPolitics #Trump2026 #SiliconValley #TechPower #Surveillance #Diplomacy #Democracy #Technofeudalism #news #currentaffairsAUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Jennifer CassidySenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadege Bizimungu & Iman SalehAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsResearcher: Constance CreswellVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Say these three words in Britain today and you could face up to 14 years in prison.The words are: "I support Palestine Action." Following the group's proscription under UK terrorism law, expressing support can now constitute a serious criminal offence.This week on The Tea, we're joined by Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori to examine one of the most controversial political decisions in modern Britain. Why has Palestine Action been placed in the same legal category as ISIS and neo-Nazi organisations? And what does that mean for democracy, civil liberties and the future of political protest?From the Filton Four case to the government's use of counterterrorism powers, we ask: where is the line between criminal damage, civil disobedience and terrorism? Is this about protecting national security—or expanding the definition of terrorism to encompass political dissent?Also in the show:⚡ How Palestine Action was formed: Ammori’s path to direct action⚡ Can BDS change the system? The power of political campaigning⚡ Is Palestine treated differently? Zionist influence in British politics⚡ The Filton Four case explained⚡ From Greta Thunberg to Massive Attack: the policing of dissent⚡ Arms companies, accountability and the ethics of activism👉 Subscribe for independent, unfiltered conversations🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #HudaAmmori #PalestineActionBan #Gaza #PoliticalActivism #BDS #IsraelPalestine #Protest DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this video, nor in any associated social clips, should be interpreted or deemed to constitute support for, endorsement of, or affiliation with any proscribed organisation.AUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Huda AmmoriSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadège BizimunguAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsResearch: Constance CreswellVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law. This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing. The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

https://www.theteanetwork.coEight months on from the so-called ceasefire in Gaza, the headlines may have moved on — but Israel's assault has not. The siege remains. The starvation continues. The displacement continues. The destruction continues.This week on The Tea, we speak to Dr Mads Gilbert, the award-winning Norwegian doctor and long-standing advocate for Palestinian liberation. Having worked in Gaza for decades, Gilbert offers a devastating account of what he describes as a deliberate campaign of deprivation — one designed to destroy the very foundations of life.Water and food supplies have been strangled. Hospitals have been besieged and bombed. Doctors have been detained and killed. Every university in Gaza has been attacked. Schools, ambulances, and civilian infrastructure have all come under fire.This is not collateral damage. It’s a deliberate process of deprivation — one that has systematically targeted the very foundations of life.Also in the show:⚡ A remarkable story of survival: the world record in resuscitation from hypothermia⚡ The Oslo Accords: corruption allegations and links to Jeffrey Epstein⚡ The mystery of the missing Oslo documents⚡ The so-called ceasefire? It’s a re-occupation line⚡ UNRWA and the blockade preventing aid from reaching Gaza⚡ Israel's impunity and the failure of Western governments to act⚡ The systematic targeting of hospitals, doctors and medical infrastructure⚡ Horror and abuse inside Israeli prisons⚡ Israel and the “weaponisation” of solidarity⚡ Palestinian resistance and the right to resist occupation"The Palestinian people, with their heroism and sacrifice, are fighting a struggle for all of us against a new wave of brutal colonialism.” Our guest argues that “if we are to take our responsibility seriously, we have to stand with them."👉 Subscribe for fearless, independent conversations🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts]#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #MadsGilbert #Gaza #Palestine #Israel #UNRWA #WestBank #genocides #CurrentAffairs #News #Politics #HussamAbuSafiyaAUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Mads GilbertSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadège BizimunguAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsResearch: Constance CreswellVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

https://www.theteanetwork.coAmerica has learned nothing from its wars. Not Iraq. Not Afghanistan. Not 9/11. And now, with Iran, the cycle is repeating itself. For 23 years, Michael Scheuer served inside the CIA. In this week’s episode of The Tea, he joins us to pull back the curtain on what he calls America’s “imperial hubris” — a foreign policy driven by arrogance, endless intervention, and political capture.From Israel’s influence on Washington to the failures of the War on Terror, Scheuer argues the US keeps repeating catastrophic mistakes — while the cost is paid in blood, instability, and permanent war.“America is still trapped in a cult of World War II, acting as though it remains the unchallenged power of 1945, despite decades of global backlash.”Also in the show:⚡ 9/11, bin Laden & missed opportunities⚡ Israel’s grip on US foreign policy⚡ The CIA rendition program⚡ Iran — another example of American hubris⚡ Trump’s “anti-war” promises — and the reality⚡ The business of war — and who benefits from endless conflict⚡ The cost of being under Israel’s thumb⚡ Sanctions as a failed policy⚡ AIPAC’s deep influence on Congress and the Senate⚡ Is America drifting toward another civil conflict?“Trump’s words and actions are a reminder that we’re at the bottom of the barrel. How long can we keep voting for people who don’t do what they say they’re gonna do?”👉 Subscribe for fearless, independent conversations🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #MichaelScheuer #Trump2026 #USPolitics #Iran #CIA #Israel #Zionism #MiddleEast #news # #currentaffairsAUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Michael ScheuerSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Sana SerroukhAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsResearch: Constance CreswellVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI is being sold to us as an oracle, objective, neutral, inevitable. But when corporations and governments present predictions as facts, what they often demand is obedience.We’re living through a golden age of surveillance. As monitoring reaches levels once associated with totalitarian regimes, the question becomes unavoidable: how much surveillance can a democracy sustain before it ceases to be one?This week on The Tea, Oxford Associate Professor Carissa Véliz, a leading voice on the ethics of AI, joins us to cut through the noise. AI isn’t just forecasting the future—it’s shaping behaviour, eroding accountability, and normalising control.Our guest argues that the rise of authoritarian tendencies alongside digital technology isn’t a coincidence. Digital tech is inherently authoritarian. And while tech executives warn of jobless, dystopian futures, they’re also shaping that reality—then positioning themselves as the solution. Manufacture the fear, sell the cure.Also in the show:⚡ Surveillance at an unprecedented scale⚡ AI prediction as the blueprint for control⚡ The rise of the “uninsurable” individual⚡ Big Tech resignations — principled exits or strategic PR?⚡ AI in medicine — the hidden risk of overdiagnosis⚡ Palantir, Anthropic, and warfare — where does accountability go?⚡ AI as the “ultimate bullshitter”⚡ When chatbots act human — the Air Canada case⚡ AGI — genuine goal or marketing myth?⚡ AI companions — a mirror of our delusions⚡ The Online Safety Act — and why it may not protect children at allCarissa argues that if we want to resist this trajectory, we need to look up from the screen. The more we obsess over AI, the more we neglect the real world—and the human relationships that anchor it.👉 Subscribe for fearless, independent conversations🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts#TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #CarissaVeliz #Profecy #AI #USPolitics #UKPolitics #Palantir #Anthropic #ChatGpt #news # #currentaffairsAUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Carissa VelizSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadège BizimunguAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsResearch: Constance Creswell, Martha MissinghamVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised.Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Across Western democracies, the political map has shifted. The left is losing its base. The right is gaining ground — and owning the narrative.In the US, Republicans have gained millions of voters in recent years, while Democrats have lost ground. Across Europe, radical right parties are now regularly polling above 20%, winning government roles and reshaping mainstream politics.So what’s really happening? Is this a failure of the left or something deeper? In this episode of The Tea, we’re joined by veteran political commentator Ana Kasparian to unpack the growing disillusionment with mainstream politics and who is benefitting from it.From party infighting to foreign policy failures and economic frustration, Ana argues this isn’t just a political shift it’s a class war. And while elites remain firmly in control, ordinary people are increasingly divided.Also in the show:⚡ Immigration, the border, and the Democrats’ political fallout⚡ Citizens United — the moment corruption was legalised⚡ Gaza — a breaking point between politicians and the public⚡ From Bernie Sanders to AOC — where the left lost its base⚡ Identity politics vs class politics⚡ Transgender inclusive language: debate or shut down?⚡ Cross-ideological alliances — taboo or necessary?⚡ Filton 24 — the story the press can’t touch⚡ America’s foreign policy and the cost of fighting Israel’s wars⚡ Media as PR for power — who holds politicians accountable?⚡ Big Tech, AI, and the politics of convenienceAna argues that political labels matter less and less and that the real divide isn’t left vs right, but top vs bottom. And the only political battle that matters is the one against the elites.👉 Subscribe for independent, unfiltered conversations🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts #TheTeaWithMyriamFrancois #AnaKasparian #USPolitics #Trump #UKPolitics #left #indipendentmedia #news # #currentaffairs #Israel AUDIO CREDITSPresenter–Producer: Dr. Myriam FrançoisGuest: Ana KasparianSenior Producer: Sara FarolfiProducer: Nadège BizimunguAssistant Producer: Poppy JacobsResearch: Constance Creswell, Martha MissinghamVideo Editor: Max BubnovAn MPWR Productions show.Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed by the guest(s) on The Tea YouTube series and podcast are their own and do not reflect those of MPWR Productions or its licensees. The appearance of this YouTube programme and podcast on social media platforms does not imply endorsement by MPWR Productions. MPWR Productions disclaims any liability for damages arising from the use of the podcast and its recordings to the fullest extent permissible by law.This video is intended for informational and commentary purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the guest and creators. The inclusion of public figures or journalists is based on publicly available information and does not imply guilt or wrongdoing.The views in this video do not establish a professional relationship with viewers and do not constitute legal, professional, or personal advice. Viewer discretion is advised. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.