People, Places, Power | Season 2, Episode 43: Britain in Transition: The UK's Image and the New King and Prime Minister

Note from the CPD Blog Manager: This post features the podcast People, Places, Power co-hosted by CPD Faculty Fellow Nicholas J. Cull and Good Country Index founder Simon Anholt and features their weekly discussions on international reputation, foreign policy and related issues along the way. 

Season 2 launched in May 2022 and covers nation-ranking indices, the impact of COVID-19 on national images, branding indices, transnational issues and much more.

Season 1: Ep. 1: Biden's America | Ep. 2: Brexit Britain | Ep. 3: In Search of the Good Leader | Ep. 4: The European Union | Ep. 5: What Price Monarchy? | Ep. 6:  Cities and International Image | Ep. 7: Mega Events? Buyer Beware. | Ep. 8: Germany: From Pariah to Paragon | Ep. 9: Culture: Decorative or Useful? | Ep. 10: Can Individuals Make a Difference? | Ep. 11: Migration Nations | Ep: 12: Credible India? | Ep. 13: The Bad Image | Ep. 14: Populism | Ep. 15: Oh, Canada! | Ep. 16: Digital Disruption: New Technology & Soft Power | Ep. 17: Japan at the Crossroads I Ep. 18: Scotland's Next Step | Ep. 19 Public Diplomacy and Place Branding | Ep. 20: The Talent Trade: Who's Looking for Einstein? | Ep. 21: France: Trouble at the Top? | Ep. 22: Systems and Structures: Organizing Public Diplomacy | Ep. 23: Trust: The Linchpin of Reputation | Ep. 24: Nordics: The Saga of Success? | Ep. 25: The Media: Friends or Foes of Country Image? | Ep. 26:  Israel: Branded by Conflict? | Ep. 27: Afghanistan

Season 2: Ep. 28: War in Ukraine | Ep. 29: Meet the Goodest: The Good Country Index for 2022 | Ep. 30: Issues in the Index: The Nation Brands Index, 2021 | Episode 31: Honest to God: The Image of Religions and other Transnational Groups | Episode 32: COVID-19, Image, Media and Communication | Ep. 33: What’s in a Name? Renaming Places as a Strategic Gambit | Ep. 34: The Power of “From:” The Country-of-Origin Effect | Ep. 35: Northern Ireland Peace and the Challenge of 'Relevance' | Ep. 36: The Power of Language | Ep. 37: For the Love of Mexico | Ep. 38: Of Greenwashing and 'Hipster Nations' | Ep. 39:  Italy: Rising or Falling? | Ep. 40: Nations and Truth: International Reputation in an Age of Disinformation | Ep. 41: Visions of Progress and Country Image | Ep. 42: All About Me? National Images and Personal Identity

Episode 43: Britain in Transition: The UK's Image and the New King and Prime Minister

This episode considers the image of Great Britain as the country mourns the loss of Queen Elizabeth II and simultaneously adapts to a new Prime Minister—Liz Truss—and a new king: Charles III. The discussion begins with Simon recalling the brand equity derived from having a Royal Family, which he estimates in the billions. Simon and Nick continue discussing the value of the royal family to the management of change, providing a national rhythm like a metronome. The pair give high marks to King Charles for his early remarks with their emphasis on inclusivity and the multi-cultural nature of Britain; they welcome the diversity apparent in the Truss cabinet but bemoan the regrettable impression created by Truss's recent remarks questioning whether France is a friend. Simon argues that the royal funeral and eventual coronation will be a moment for Britain to recharge the batteries of its international image. They agree that because of the human tendency to personify countries as people, King Charles will necessarily be a central element in Britain's image. Nick raises the issue of the new king's past comments on social and political issues and speculates on whether he will be the much-needed rallying voice in the collective struggle against climate change. Simon advances his notion of Monarchy 2.0 by which members of royal families worldwide could be coordinated as a kind of UN upper house to speak on global issues.