Intrigue Explained

The Biden Administration takes the trade war with China up a notch by significantly increasing import taxes on a range of Chinese electric vehicle, technology, and medical goods - plus, a brief update on the new Russian offensive in Ukraine.About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where three former diplomats (John Fowler, Dmitry Grozoubinski and Helen Zhang*) break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.Dmitry's book "Why Politicians Lie about Trade... and what you need to know about it" is now available for pre-order in both Kindle and hardcopy format: https://linktr.ee/WPLaT_book

The TikTok "ban" has been signed into law, so we dive into how it happened, the reasoning behind it, what might happen next and the geopolitics of it all. About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where three former diplomats (John Fowler, Dmitry Grozoubinski and Helen Zhang*) break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.Dmitry's book "Why Politicians Lie about Trade... and what you need to know about it" is now available for pre-order in both Kindle and hardcopy format: https://x.com/DmitryOpines/status/1771177620643664128?s=20

On the 20th of April, the US House of Representatives passed a bill appropriating billioins in aid for Ukraine. With world travelling co-hosts John and Helen taking some much needed rest, this bonus episode has Dmitry breaking down seven common arguments against US aid to Ukraine and offering his suggestions on how to engage with them. About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where three former diplomats (John Fowler, Dmitry Grozoubinski and Helen Zhang*) break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.Dmitry's book "Why Politicians Lie about Trade... and what you need to know about it" is now available for pre-order in both Kindle and hardcopy format: https://x.com/DmitryOpines/status/1771177620643664128?s=20

Recorded on the 12th of April as intelligence agencies were warning of an Iranian attack on Israel, this episode features a discussion about the likelihood of such an attack, its implications, and the policy choices involved.It also discusses the Western strategy of releasing the intelligence and how that might shape possible responses. Note: A lot of the speculation in the episode has now been overtaken by events. About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where three former diplomats (John Fowler, Dmitry Grozoubinski and Helen Zhang*) break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.Dmitry's book "Why Politicians Lie about Trade... and what you need to know about it" is now available for pre-order in both Kindle and hardcopy format: https://x.com/DmitryOpines/status/1771177620643664128?s=20

A 2024 survey of experts across Southeast Asia found that for the first time, more would see themselves aligned with China than the US in a hypothetical confrontation between the two superpowers.What are the implications of that shift, and more broadly is soft power and public perception abroad a significant factor in foreign policy?A version of this podcast was initially uploaded without any actual audio. We sincerely apologize for the confusion, and accept with grace the roughly fifty messages we got telling us how much of an improvement an hour of silence was. About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where three former diplomats (John Fowler, Dmitry Grozoubinski and Helen Zhang*) break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.Dmitry's book "Why Politicians Lie about Trade... and what you need to know about it" is now available for pre-order in both Kindle and hardcopy format: https://x.com/DmitryOpines/status/1771177620643664128?s=20

A 2024 survey of experts across Southeast Asia found that for the first time, more would see themselves aligned with China than the US in a hypothetical confrontation between the two superpowers. What are the implications of that shift, and more broadly is soft power and public perception abroad a significant factor in foreign policy? About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where three former diplomats (John Fowler, Dmitry Grozoubinski and Helen Zhang*) break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.Dmitry's book "Why Politicians Lie about Trade... and what you need to know about it" is now available for pre-order in both Kindle and hardcopy format: https://x.com/DmitryOpines/status/1771177620643664128?s=20

A double feature episode discussing the terrorist attack on the Crocus City Hall Music Centre in Moscow, and the French President's increasingly assertive posture on the world stage. About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where three former diplomats (John Fowler, Dmitry Grozoubinski and Helen Zhang*) break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.Dmitry's book "Why Politicians Lie about Trade... and what you need to know about it" is now available for pre-order in both Kindle and hardcopy format: https://x.com/DmitryOpines/status/1771177620643664128?s=20

In this first episode of what could well be an endless series, resident China experts Helen and John walk us through China Politics 101 following a robust discussion of the proposed TikTok divestment bill in the US Congress. The episode draws its name from two 'sessions' taking place earlier in March: the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the National People's Congress.About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where three former diplomats (John Fowler, Dmitry Grozoubinski and Helen Zhang*) break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

Is espionage running rampant, and is the new Western strategy of dragging it out into the light a winning one? We dive into the world of spies and spooks following some shocking allegations by the head of Australia's domestic counter-intelligence service ASIO and a spate of high-profile incidents around the world. About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where three former diplomats (John Fowler, Dmitry Grozoubinski and Helen Zhang*) break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

Against John's better judgement, trade nerd Dmitry attempts to provide a vaguely accessible explanation of the World Trade Organization and its 13th Ministerial Conference. Also includes brief discussions of the 2nd anniversary of Russia's re-invasion of Ukraine and the US veto of another UN Security Council Resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where three former diplomats (John Fowler, Dmitry Grozoubinski and Helen Zhang*) break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.*Helen is off this week.

Following the comments by Former President Trump about a failure by some European states to meet their NATO spending commitments, we dive into the question: Should US taxpayers be underwriting European defense? About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where three former diplomats (John Fowler, Dmitry Grozoubinski and Helen Zhang) break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

In an episode sure to do wonders for their inboxes the hosts (who have attended four times between them) try to explain the World Economic Forum's annual Davos meeting, and why everyone keeps shouting about it. All hail the lizard people!About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where three former diplomats (John Fowler, Dmitry Grozoubinski and Helen Zhang) break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

Recorded on the 658th day of the Russian escalation, against the backdrop of opposition to Western funding for Ukraine in Washington and Brussels, we take a look at the state of the war and grapple with some of the hard questions facing policymakers. About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where three former diplomats (John Fowler, Dmitry Grozoubinski and Helen Zhang) break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

Sorry everyone, no podcast this week as our least coordinated co-host injured himself a bit. He's recovering nicely though and we'll be back next week with more spicy geopolitical hot-takes!

It's the first day of COP28 and there's a new fund, controversy about the host and 70,000 people loitering around the coffee stall. We dive into some of the geopolitics. About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where three former diplomats (John Fowler, Dmitry Grozoubinski and Helen Zhang) break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

Former Australian diplomats John, Helen and Dmitry share some thoughts on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, the actors in the region and what may come next.About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where three former diplomats (John Fowler, Dmitry Grozoubinski and Helen Zhang) break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.Show Notes:At the end of the episode, John mentions this article by Dr Kate Marvel and this report by the UN Environment program.

Former Australian diplomats John, Helen and Dmitry reflect on the first meeting between President's Xi Jinping of China and Joe Biden of the United States. We talk about why both sides agreed to a meeting now, who it was a win for, and how businesses may be looking at China as an investment destination. About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where three former diplomats (John Fowler, Dmitry Grozoubinski and Helen Zhang) break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

Former Australia diplomats John, Helen and Dmitry break down the foreign policy side of AI regulation, including the joint declaration the Bletchley AI Safety Summit and the Biden Administration's Executive Order on all things AI Safety.We debate whether now is the right time to regulate, the dangers of regulatory capture, and unpack some of the ways AI could transform diplomacy and negotiations.About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where three former diplomats (John Fowler, Dmitry Grozoubinski and Helen Zhang) break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

James also known as 'Spaghetti Kozak' is an American who has spent more than a year fighting for Ukraine as part of the AFU, and even longer than that fighting all-comers in the Twitter war that has raged since the war started.In this special bonus episode of Intrigue Explained, Dmitry put to James some of the most infuriating takes and opinions on the Ukraine war floating around the internet.You can find James on Twitter: @SpaghettiKozakYou can also find his YouTube content on his channel: Spaghetti Kozak MediaIn Part 1 of the interview, James and Dmitry had a far ranging discussion about the war, the media, the role of influencers and disinformation and the occasional inevitable reference to Warhammer 40,000.--------About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where two former diplomats (Dmitry Grozoubinski and John Fowler) and the people they know break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter.

James also known as 'Spaghetti Kozak' is an American who has spent more than a year fighting for Ukraine as part of the AFU, and even longer than that fighting all-comers in the Twitter war that has raged since the war started.In this special bonus episode of Intrigue Explained, Dmitry sat down with James for a wide-ranging discussion of the war, social media, grifters, geopolitics and understanding Russia.There were also some Warhammer 40,000 references, because we just can't help ourselves.You can find James on Twitter: @SpaghettiKozakYou can also find his YouTube content on his channel: Spaghetti Kozak MediaIn Part 2 of the interview, James and Dmitry tackle some of the most infuriating and erroneous tropes, memes and arguments about the Russian invasion of Ukraine.--------About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where two former diplomats (Dmitry Grozoubinski and John Fowler) and the people they know break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter.

Dmitry and John debate whether the upcoming visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to China is a signal of US weakness.Also on the show:Two stories focused on Saudi Arabia:Their exploring joining the BRICS Development Bank (the NDB);Their succesful attempt to purchase the PGA Golf TourAbout the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where two former diplomats (Dmitry Grozoubinski and John Fowler) and the people they know break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

Dmitry and John debate whether democracies are at a disadvantage in international relations compared to their more authoritarian counterparts. Also on the show:What the US debt limit deal means for international relations; andAn update on the tense situation in Kosovo.About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where two former diplomats (Dmitry Grozoubinski and John Fowler) and the people they know break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

Former diplomats Dmitry and John debate whether the West should seek to restrict the media channels of foreign adversaries.Is it smarter in the long term to ban stations like RT, or to ignore them?Also on the show:The incurions into the Belgorod Oblast by Russian paramilitaries hostile to the Kremlin; andthe massive fine issued to Meta by the European Union over Facebook's user data transfers to the US.About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where two former diplomats (Dmitry Grozoubinski and John Fowler) and the people they know break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

This week Dmitry and John debate whether the West needs to stop faffing around and start splashing cash if it wants to keep up with the unromantic investment diplomacy of its geostrategic adversaries.Also on the show:President Biden abruptly cancels his visit to the Asia Pacific in order to deal with the debt ceiling crisis at home;The Wagner Group's Prigozhin was allegedly in talks with the Ukrainian intelligence; andA roundup of some fascinating elections and election results from Turkey to Thailand.About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where two former diplomats (Dmitry Grozoubinski and John Fowler) and the people they know break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reporting from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

This week Dmitry and John naval gaze on whether their lives had any meaning, or more specifically about whether there's still a role and function for diplomats posted overseas under the traditional embassy model. Also on the show: The upcoming elections in Turkey, where Erdoğan faces his first true challenge at the ballot box since 2014 amid high inflation and a more unified opposition; andCivil unrest in Pakistan around the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on corruption charges against a backdrop of looming potential economic collapse.About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where two former diplomats (Dmitry Grozoubinski and John Fowler) and the people they know break down the big stories in international news.The show is based on reportin from International Intrigue's free daily newsletter. Sign up to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

This week Dmitry and John revisit the Russian invasion in Ukraine, providing an update on the situation, discussing the anticipated Ukrainian spring counteroffensive, and what China's recent forays into Ukraine war diplomacy might mean.We also cover:The South African debate about whether to follow their ICC obligations and arrest Vladimir Putin if he travels to the country for the upcoming BRICS summit; andA ruling against Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on charges of defamation against Modi, and all people named Modi that cost him his seat in parliament.About the show:Intrigue Explained is a show where two former diplomats (Dmitry Grozoubinski and John Fowler) and the people they know break down the big stories in international news.Sign up to International Intrigue's free daily newsletter to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

In our most contentious debate episode yet, Dmitry and John get into it over whether French President Macron was wrong in his remarks about the desirability of Europe moving away from a dependence on the US and toward 'Strategic Autonomy', the very different optics of his and Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen simultaneous visits and the implications for Taiwan. We also cover:The recent leaks of US intelligence on DiscordThe first direct talks between Saudi and Houthi representatives in YemenChinese naval exercises in the Taiwan StraitAbout the show:International, Intrigue is the show where two former diplomats (Dmitry Grozoubinski and John Fowler) and the people they know break down the big stories in international news.Sign up to International Intrigue's free daily newsletter to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

This week on Intrigue Explained we mark Russia taking up the chairmanship of the UN Security Council by debating whether it, and countries like it, should even be on UN bodies in the first place. We also cover:Finland (finally) joining NATO President Macron of France visits ChinaAbout the show:International, Intrigue is the show where two former diplomats (Dmitry Grozoubinski and John Fowler) and the people they know break down the big stories in international news.Sign up to International Intrigue's free daily newsletter to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

This week on Intrigue Explained John dons his defender of globalism Davos man coat and Dmitry straps on a MAGA hat as we debate whether de-globalization, friendshoring, American First and Strategic Autonomy are smart strategies for the West.We also cover:Spy Balloon - We miss you, floaty.Georgia - Succesful protests against the 'Foreign Agents' Bills and what they say about Russian influence.Japan and South Korea - A deal is reached on compensation for forcibly mobilized workers as a larger threat looms on the horizon.About the show:International, Intrigue is the show where two former diplomats (Dmitry Grozoubinski and John Fowler) and the people they know break down the big stories in international news.Sign up to International Intrigue's free daily newsletter to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

This week John and Dmitry examine, through the hallowed mechanism of getting into an argument, the arguments China might be considering in favor of providing Russia lethal aid.We also cover:Covid-19 - Several US agencies have indicated they consider the lab leak theory to be credible;Nigeria - A new president is elected in Nigeria but with only 37% of the vote, low turnout and facing some huge challenges; andUK and EU - A new pact is forged between the EU and UK on how resolve their differences over the post-Brexit Northern Ireland border.International, Intrigue is the show where two former diplomats (Dmitry Grozoubinski and John Fowler) and the people they know break down the big stories in international news.Sign up to International Intrigue's free daily newsletter to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

This week John and Dmitry forgo a main story to duke it out over whether the Cold War is a relevant and useful analogy for the coming era of great power competition. Should policymakers be looking to the Cold War for lessons, or should they be thinking in terms of multipolar, regional diplomacy and dispersed power centres.We also cover:Ukraine - On the one year anniversary of the invasion Dmitry and John allow themselves the schadenfreude of discussing those who confidently dismissed any suggestion an invasion could possibly occurRussia - China's top diplomat visits Russia, and a visit by Xi may be on the cards, where do China and Russia stand diplomatically?Iran - The IAEA detects 84% enriched uranium in Iran, sparking fears it may be closer to a nuclear bomb than previously thoughtInternational, Intrigue is the show where two former diplomats (Dmitry Grozoubinski and John Fowler) and the people they know break down the big stories in international news.Sign up to International Intrigue's free daily newsletter to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

This week we do our best to catch you up on the immensely complicated Syrian Civil War, the role Turkey plays in it, and how the horrific earthquake along the Syrian-Turkish border could shakeup the regions politics.John and Dmitry also discussed:Israel - Tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets against new proposed bills that neuter the Court's role in checking government actionsMoldova - The Pro-EU Prime Minister resigns at a tense time for the country, with allegations of Russian interference in the airIran - The Iranian regime courts China, and China appears receptive as unlikely allies find one another in opposition to the West.International, Intrigue is the show where two former diplomats (Dmitry Grozoubinski and John Fowler) and the people they know break down the big stories in international news.Sign up to International Intrigue's free daily newsletter to receive the world's news in a format you'll love and at a length you can digest over coffee.

International, Intrigue is the show where two former diplomats (Dmitry Grozoubinski and John Fowler) and the people they know break down the big stories in international news.This week's main story was the Wagner Group PMC, a Russian private army that's in the news both in Ukraine and in Africa. Who are they, why have they been succesful and what does their rise mean for geopolitics?John and Dmitry also discussed:Hong Kong - What the trials of those arrested during the 2020 proteests mean for Hong Kong's trajectoryIran - The regime has announced it will pardon "10's of thousands," but what does it mean for recent protesters?International Tax - The OECD has issued its ruling on implementing the international minimum tax treaty, but will the US Congress get in the way?All this and more!Sign up to International Intrigue's free daily newsletter here: bit.ly/IntrigueNews

We're back for the 2023 season of Intrigue, Explained - The show where two former diplomats and the people they know break down the big stories in international news.This week we're focusing on a still largely secret agreement between the US, Japan and the Netherlands to restrict the export to China of the technology and components required to silicon chips.This is part of a growing escalation as China and the West maneuver for supremacy in the technology future, and has implications for everything from Taiwan to the EU.We're also taking a quick look at:Fiji - The decision by the new Prime Minister to end policing cooperation with ChinaUkraine - After months of prevarication, the west is sending 321 tanks and countingIndia - The Adani Group has been accused in a detailed report of corruption and money launderingSign up to International Intrigue's free daily newsletter here: bit.ly/IntrigueNews

In this special release before the first season, we discuss the history of China's Covid-19 response, the rush of protests in late November 2022 and the options President Xi has moving forward.You can watch the episode on Youtube here.If you want brief, accessible summaries of international news delivered to your inbox fresh every weekday morning for free, then sign up to International Intrigue.