A new armband for Australian history, with Tony Abbott
Many Australians don't appreciate how extraordinary the Australian story is. A penal colony, that became a democracy, that became arguably the greatest Western liberal democracy in the world. On the contrary, the prevailing sentiment is a black armband view of the past. Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has sought to change that with his new book, 'Australia: A History'. Will and Tony discuss themes that run through the Australian story, and reflect on whether the country is still living up to the ideals upon which it was built.Follow Will Kingston and Fire at Will on social media here.Read The Spectator Australia here.
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55:58
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55:58
In praise of the 'very online right', with Connor Tomlinson
The UK conservative political class have not led the public discourse. Instead, they have been dragged, sometimes kicking and screaming, to sensible policies on issues such as immigration by independent media and prominent social media figures. In other words, 'the online right'. There are few more influential voices on the online right than political commentator Connor Tomlinson. Will and Connor freewheel on (among other things) how the public discourse has changed in the post-MSM age, immigration, the economy, the differences between Australian and British politics, and whether Reform are really capable of solving the country's problems.Follow Will Kingston and Fire at Will on social media here.Read The Spectator Australia here.Watch Connor on YouTube here.
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1:01:06
Considering calculated risks, with Andrew Hastie
Right-wing political parties are facing identity crises across the Anglosphere. Reform is pushing the Conservatives to the brink of extinction, and Trump has remade the Republicans. However, the challenge may be most acute for the Australian Liberal Party, who are trying to work out what whey should stand for after a crushing election defeat earlier in the year. To discuss the future of the Liberal Party, and Australia, Will is joined by the Federal MP for Canning, Andrew Hastie. Follow Will Kingston and Fire at Will on social media here.Read The Spectator Australia here.
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Trans is so last year, with Eric Kaufmann
A surprising shift is taking place in the gender and sexual identities of young people. Since 2023 both trans and queer identification have dropped sharply within Generation Z. A medical miracle, or proof that the trans movement was a social contagion all along?To discuss this shift, along with the broader movements in the culture wars, Will is joined by Professor of Politics at the University of Buckingham, and the Director for The Centre for Heterodox Social Science, Eric Kaufmann.Follow Will Kingston and Fire at Will on social media here.Read The Spectator Australia here.
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48:39
How to save Britain, with David Starkey
Most historical revolutions are sudden and violent. Since 1997, the UK has experienced a 'slow-burn revolution', which has completely changed the country economically, demographically, culturally and administratively. Historian David Starkey joins Will to explain how it happened, and to consider whether the disastrous consequences of the Blairite revolution can be reversed.Follow Will Kingston and Fire at Will on social media here.Read The Spectator Australia here.
A safe space for dangerous conversations, from The Spectator Australia. The Spectator is the world’s longest-running magazine of news, arts and ideas. Hosted by Will Kingston.
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