Friday Focus: developed democracies are in crisis and the dangerous power of Elon Musk

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Rudyard and Janice survey a world in turmoil, from protests across Europe and rising oil prices to Starshield disruptions in Ukraine and signs of possible renewed U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran. Are developed democracies entering a period of profound transition?

They turn first to the prospect of renewed U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran. Trump has shown little strategic patience or clarity of purpose, while Tehran has threatened to retaliate against energy infrastructure across the Gulf. What would a third round of strikes actually achieve? Would it bring Iran to the negotiating table, or simply trigger a wider regional conflict? And what role might Saudi Arabia play? Would Riyadh welcome an escalation that forces Washington to reassert its leadership in the region?

In the second half, Rudyard and Janice examine the disruption to Starshield, SpaceX’s military-grade satellite communications system, which Ukraine relies on for frontline operations and air defence. The reported restrictions have raised serious questions about Ukraine’s ability to conduct military operations and intercept Russian attacks. Who is responsible for the disruption, and what roles, if any, did Elon Musk and the Trump administration play? More broadly, what does this episode reveal about the risks of entrusting critical military infrastructure to a private individual with the power to shape geopolitical outcomes? And why do investors continue to back Musk’s companies despite his increasingly consequential interventions in democratic politics around the world?