The world and New Zealand's place in it

This episode of Nights explores New Zealand's evolving foreign policy dilemma in the context of escalating global tensions, particularly focusing on the United States' recent aggressive actions under Donald Trump—such as the abduction of Venezuela's president and the military invasion of Iran. Journalist Anna Fifield, writing from her Substack 'Between Giants,' argues that New Zealand’s traditional alignment with the US, despite its moral and strategic costs, is no longer sustainable. She criticizes the lack of diplomatic condemnation from New Zealand’s leadership, especially ahead of Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and calls for a more assertive, principled foreign policy. The discussion highlights the tension between maintaining security alliances and upholding international law, with Fifield urging New Zealand to leverage its global 'mana' by joining forces with other small and middle-sized nations to defend the rules-based order. The episode ultimately frames New Zealand’s moment of moral clarity as both a challenge and an opportunity to reclaim its legacy of independent diplomacy.