The Inside Story Podcast

The US and Iran have finished the first round of talks with an agreement on a roadmap to a final deal. But is there enough trust to end the conflict? In this episode: Mohammad Eslami - Research Fellow at Tehran University. Kenneth Katzman - Senior Fellow at The Soufan Center. Zeidon Alkinani - Founding Director at the Arab Perspectives Institute. Host: Anna Burns-Francis Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Iranian armed forces say they've closed the Strait of Hormuz after Israeli attacks on Lebanon, just days after an agreement with the U.S. reopen it. Disruption to the crucial waterway has had a huge economic impact worldwide. So, what happens next? In this episode: Ian Ralby - Senior Fellow at the Center for Maritime Strategy and Associate Fellow with the International Law Programme at Chatham House. Mehran Kamrava - Professor of Government at Georgetown University in Qatar and Head of the Iranian Studies Unit at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies. Stavros Karamperidis - Associate Professor in Maritime Economics and Head of the Maritime Transport Research Group at the University of Plymouth. Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A landslide win, only two years ago - yet now UK prime minister Keir Starmer's resisting calls to step down. The return to parliament of Andy Burnham makes a leadership challenge more likely. What's gone wrong so fast, for Starmer? And why so much turmoil at the top of British politics? In this episode: Peter Oborne - UK Political Commentator and Associate Editor of Middle East Eye - a digital news organisation. Jonathan Tonge - Professor of Politics at the University of Liverpool and author of numerous books on British and Northern Irish politics. Peter Geoghegan - Editor of Democracy for Sale - an investigative news site in London Host: Per Nyberg Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Fury from Israeli ministers over the agreement US President Donald Trump has signed with Iran. And a sharp rebuke in response from his vice president JD Vance. What are the implications for Israel and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu? In this episode: Gideon Levy, Columnist at Haaretz newspaper Mairav Zonszein, Senior Israel Analyst at the International Crisis Group Mitchell Barak, Founder of KEEVOON Research, Strategy and Communications and a former aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Host: Per Nyberg Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

China calls for stronger representation for the Global South. It warns that the international rules-based order is at a critical crossroads. Beijing says it has a solution to a more equitable system. But does it have the leverage and tools to enforce it? In this episode: Steve Tsang, Director of the SOAS China Institute Cobus van Staden, Head of Research at the China-Global South Project Allen Carlson, Associate Professor in the Government Department at Cornell University Host: Sami Zeidan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Kyiv has just started formal talks to join the bloc. It comes after Moscow declined an offer of direct talks to end the war. So, would membership protect Ukraine? And what would it mean for Europe? In this episode: Peter Zalmayev, Executive Director at Eurasia Democracy Initiative Theresa Fallon, Director at the Centre for Russia Europe Asia Studies Alexander Bratersky, independent journalist and political analyst Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

An agreement between Washington and Tehran has all but ended the Iran war, both claiming victory despite the huge cost. Among that is damage to Iranian relationships with its Gulf neighbours, which it attacked. So, what has Iran won and lost in the region from this war? In this episode: Ali Akbar Dareini, Researcher at the Center for Strategic Studies in Tehran. Roxane Farmanfarmaian, Professor of Modern Middle East Politics at the University of Cambridge. Mehran Kamrava, Professor of Government at Georgetown University in Qatar and Head of the Iranian Studies Unit at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies. Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The UK says it's banning access to social media for those under 16. Its government argues it's the right choice to protect young people from online harm. But will this policy work? And how will it be enforced? In this episode: Dr Charlotte Armitage, Psychologist and Psychotherapist and author of Generation Zombie: Why Devices Are Harming Our Children and What We Can Do About It Paolo Gerbaudo, Sociologist and Political Theorist at Complutense University in Madrid Bhargav Srinivasa Desikan, AI and Tech Lead at the Autonomy Institute and a Doctoral Researcher at the Oxford Internet Institute Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The annual G7 summit is set to be held in France. But this time, differences within the group are growing. From tensions in the Middle East to the war in Ukraine, can the G7 help resolve global crises as geopolitical realities shift? In this episode: Jacques Reland, Senior Research Fellow, Global Policy Institute. Scott Lucas, Professor, US and International Politics, Clinton Institute, University College Dublin. Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation. Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The European Union's new migration pact is now in force,, tightening border controls and overhauling asylum rules. Will it reduce migration to Europe? And what does it reveal about the political forces shaping the bloc? In this episode: Marta Welander - EU Advocacy Director, International Rescue Committee. Nathalie Tocci - Professor of Practice at Johns Hopkins University SAIS Europe. Pieter Cleppe - Editor-in-chief, BrusselsReport.eu. Host: Anna Francis-Burns Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Donald Trump says a new agreement with Iran is within reach. Tehran insists key issues remain unresolved. So is a deal finally close? What would it mean for tensions in the region? And if an agreement is signed, can it survive the political pressures on both sides? In this episode: Dania Thafer - Executive Director, Gulf International Forum Foad Izadi - Associate Professor at University of Tehran Barbara Slavin - Distinguished Fellow at Stimson Center Host: Sami Zeidan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The nine countries believed to hold nuclear weapons have spent a record $119bn on their arsenals. The US budget was more than all the others combined, according to an anti-proliferation group. So why the huge surge? And what does it mean for the future of disarmament? In this episode: Tariq Rauf, Former Head of Verification and Security Policy Co-ordination, International Atomic Energy Agency. Susi Snyder, Director, Programmes, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. Carne Ross, Founder, Independent Diplomat. Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Turmoil in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. A banned group has been protesting against a court ruling that kept in place legislative representation for Kashmiri refugees living in Pakistan. What are the political implications of the demonstrations? In this episode: Maria Iqbal Tarana, Senior Leader, Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz. Sahar Khan, Nonresident Fellow, Institute for Global Affairs. Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director, Center for Research and Security Studies. Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Chinese President Xi Jinping visits North Korea. Beijing is Pyongyang's main political and economic backer. Xi has voiced his opposition to what he called hegemonism and power politics. So, how could his visit shape geopolitics in the region? In this episode: Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation. Hannah Kim, Associate Professor, International Studies, Sogang University. Aaron Glasserman, Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for the Study of Contemporary China, University of Pennsylvania. Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Protests in the UK after the release of police video of an 18-year-old stabbing victim handcuffed by officers after his attacker alleged racial abuse. The case has caused outrage with the Prime Minister rejecting claims of police bias against white people. So, why are racial issues so prominent now in the UK? In this episode: Tim Bale, Professor, Politics, Queen Mary University of London. Dal Babu, Former Chief Superintendent, London Metropolitan police. Andy Preston, Former Mayor, Middlesbrough and a Conservative Party Donor. Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Armenians are voting in pivotal parliamentary elections. With Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan facing pro-Russia rivals, why is the outcome being watched so closely in Brussels, Moscow and Washington? In this episode: Richard Giragosian - Director of the Regional Studies Center think-tank Kenneth Roth - Visiting Professor at the Princeton School of Public & International Affairs Chris Weafer - Chief Executive Officer of Macro-Advisory consultancy Host: Anna Burns-Francis Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The US has announced another ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. But Israeli strikes continue and Hezbollah remains engaged. Can the truce hold, and what lies ahead for Lebanon? In this episode: Heiko Wimmen - Project Director for Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, International Crisis Group Nimrod Novik - Former Special Envoy & Senior Adviser to former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres Rami Khouri - Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut Host: Sami Zeidan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The head of the World Health Organization seems confident and says there's hope. But with an already volatile security situation in the region, what are the risks of the virus spreading? In this episode: Dr. Marie Roseline Belizaire, Emergency Director for the World Health Organization Africa Dr. Ekwaro Obuku, physician who served as a policy advisor on Uganda's national task force during the 2022 Ebola outbreak Dr. Githinji Gitahi, Vice Chairman of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A proposal to tighten EU migration policy. Negotiators from the European Parliament and Council have provisionally agreed on a new deal. It includes the deportation to third countries of people whose applications are rejected. But where would that leave the rights of those seeking safe haven in Europe? In this episode: Marta Welander, EU Advocacy Director at the International Rescue Committee Susan Fratzke, Senior Policy Analyst at the Migration Policy Institute Demas Kiprono, Executive Director of the International Commission of Jurists in Kenya Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Lebanon under Israeli attack - while diplomatic efforts continue to end the war in Iran. And with Israel escalating attacks on Hezbollah, Tehran wants any peace deal to cover both conflicts. So, why is Iran making Lebanon a central issue in its own war? In this episode: Naim Salem, Professor of Political Science at the Lebanese Army Military Academy Marzie Khalilian, Political Analyst and Academic Researcher Nicholas Noe, Editor-in-Chief of Mideastwire.com Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel continues killing Palestinians in Gaza and threatens to seize more of the Strip - all in breach of October's ceasefire deal. Attacks go on everyday, with more than 900 killed since then. So, is the US-backed peace process in serious danger? In this episode: Muhammad Shehada, Senior Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations Daniel Levy, President of the U.S. / Middle East Project Tamer Qarmout, Associate Professor of Public Policy at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What's at stake in Ethiopia's elections? The governing party is seeking to cement its power, but in a country embroiled in conflicts and deeply fragmented, will this vote solve Ethiopia's many woes? And how are these elections viewed across the Horn of Africa? In this episode: Samuel Getachew, Journalist and Ethiopian politics and security commentator. Martin Plaut, Senior Research Fellow, King’s College London. Bizuneh Yimenu, Lecturer in Comparative Politics, Queen's University Belfast. Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

NATO says it's ready to defend allied territory against Russian attacks. Ukraine warns Moscow is preparing for a major aerial assault, and appeals for more military support. Both sides seem confident they are advancing on the battlefield. So, is the war entering a new phase? In this episode: Olesia Horiainova - Co-founder of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre Donald Jensen - Adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University Alexey Muraviev - Russian defence and security specialist Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

France has repealed a controversial law called Code Noir, or Black Code. It classified people in its colonies as property. But why now? What does it mean for the millions of victims of French colonialism? In this episode: Liliane Umubyeyi, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the African Futures Lab Marlene Daut, Professor of French and African Diaspora Studies at Yale University Anne Giudicelli, Global relations specialist and former security analyst for the French Foreign Office Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What's behind the recent anti-migrant protests in South Africa? Thousands of foreign workers are under increasing pressure to leave the country. So, what's driving this anti-migrant sentiment that many have called xenophobic? And is politics involved? In this episode: William Gumede, Associate Professor, School of Governance at the University of the Witwatersrand Lindywe Zulu, member of the ANC Committee on International Relations and a former South African Minister of Social Development Ashraf Essop, immigration lawyer Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel intensifies its military action in Lebanon, killing and injuring dozens of people, despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Iran insists those attacks must also end as part of any deal with the United States. So, why is Israel ramping up its strikes? In this episode: Najat Aoun Saliba, Independent Member of the Lebanese Parliament Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut Michael Mulroy, Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

In the first keynote policy statement of his papacy, Pope Leo has warned that artificial intelligence must be for the benefit of humanity, not geopolitical or corporate dominance. Will his views have any impact on big tech and governments? In this episode: Gerard O’Connell, Senior Vatican correspondent for the Catholic magazine, America Aya Ibrahim, Senior Visiting Fellow at the AI Now Institute Elaine Burke, Science and technology writer and host of the podcast, For Tech's Sake Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A possible US-Iran deal to end the conflict is taking shape. While mediators try to bridge some critical divides, Israeli officials are reportedly worried. What are their concerns? And will they throw a spanner in the works? In this episode: Mairav Zonszein, Senior Israel Analyst at the International Crisis Group Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow with the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House Paul Musgrave, Professor of U.S. Government at Georgetown University Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Iran war has caused the worst energy crisis in history, according to the International Energy Agency. It's been politically unpopular in the US too ahead of crucial mid-term elections in November. So, even after it ends, could this war have long-lasting implications? In this episode: Foad Izadi, Associate Professor, University of Tehran. Christopher Hill, Former US diplomat. Abdullah Al Shayji, Professor, Political Science, Kuwait University. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The US and India are seeking to mend ties after a year of diplomatic see-saw...tariffs imposed then quickly scrapped because of the war in Iran. It's one example of how international relations and conflict have become more complex and interlinked in recent years. So, is pragmatism replacing ideology in today's diplomatic world? In this episode: Brahma Chellaney - Professor Emeritus of Strategic Studies at the Centre for Policy Research. Chris Weafer - Chief Executive Officer at Macro-Advisory strategic consultancy. Shaun Rein - Founder and Managing Director of the China Market Research Group. Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel keeps up its attacks on Lebanon despite a ceasefire. The US has sanctioned nine people, including two Lebanese army officers accused of links to Hezbollah. It comes while Washington brokers more talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials. So, why these sanctions now? In this episode: David Wood, Senior Lebanon Analyst at the International Crisis Group Randa Slim, Middle East Program Director at the U.S.-based Stimson Center Elijah Magnier, Specialist in Middle East wars and regional military dynamics Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Detained and ridiculed by a senior Israeli minister. The mistreatment of Gaza flotilla activists has sparked global outrage. They were part of the latest attempt to deliver humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Most efforts have failed. So, what difference do flotillas make? In this episode: Ahmed Abo Askar, Engineering student who lobbies for sponsorship for orphans in Gaza Dan Perry, Former Chief Editor of the Associated Press in Europe, the Middle East and Africa Carne Ross, Former British diplomat at the United Nations Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Amplifying an 'unshakeable bond' in a 'turbulent' international situation. Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin hold talks in Beijing: their 40th meeting as presidents. What's the significance of the Russian leader's visit, a week after Donald Trump was in the Chinese capital? In this episode: Andy Mok, Author of ‘The Innovation Machine: How China Creates and Adopts Technology Through Governance’ Pavel Devyatkin, Non-resident Fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Allen Carlson, Associate Professor in the Department of Government at Cornell University, specialising in Chinese foreign policy Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A huge attack in the Moscow region and unrelenting strikes on its energy facilities — Ukraine is taking the war deeper into Russia. Russian oil refineries are burning, and its ground offensive is stalling. So, does Ukraine have the advantage at the moment? In this episode: Peter Zalmayev, Director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative Pavel Felgenhauer, Russian Foreign Policy Analyst Mark Episkopos, Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute’s Eurasia Program Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Running out of fuel. Cuba is struggling to keep the lights on as the United States ramps up economic pressure and military threats. Washington is now offering aid - but at a cost. Will the system set up by the Castros break down? In this episode: Ruaridh Nicoll, The Guardian's Cuba Correspondent Adolfo Franco, Republican strategist Javier Farje, Journalist and historian specialising in Latin American affairs Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A global health emergency - the World Health Organisation raises the alarm over a new Ebola outbreak. The virus has killed nearly 90 people in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda so far. Will it spread further? In this episode: Ariel Kestens, Head, Kinshasa Delegation, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Dr Margaret Harris, Lecturer, United Nations Institute for Training and Research. Dr Ahmed Ogwell Ouma, Former Deputy Director-General, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Recent attacks in Pakistan have killed nearly 50 people, many of them security forces. The Pakistani Taliban says it is behind them. Islamabad accuses Kabul of backing the armed group. Can the violence sabotage a fragile truce between the neighbours? In this episode: Masood Khan, Former Permanent Representative of Pakistan, United Nations Michael Kugelman, Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council. Obaidullah Baheer, Adjunct Lecturer, American University of Afghanistan. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Donald Trump calls his visit to China 'incredible', and Xi Jinping says it was a 'landmark' meeting. But the Chinese president's comments about Taiwan are raising concerns. Could a dispute over the territory lead to conflict between Beijing and Washington? In this episode: Ali Wyne, Senior Research and Advocacy Adviser for US-China relations, The International Crisis Group Victor Gao, Vice President, Center for China and Globalization Wen-Ti Sung, Nonresident Fellow, Atlantic Council's Global China Hub Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

As Israeli attacks in Lebanon continue despite a ceasefire, the United States is hosting the third round of talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials. Hezbollah opposes the meeting in Washington. But can the process help find a way forward for Lebanon after decades of war? In this episode: Ali Rizk, Security and Foreign Affairs Analyst in Beirut Jennifer Gavito, former acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Five nations boycott Eurovision, citing Israel's participation. Their action is against Israel's war in Gaza and allegations of vote manipulation in the song contest. But why is it so important for Israel to take part? And is the competition's future under threat? In this episode: Steve Wall, musician, actor, and member of the Irish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign Jonathan Hendrickx, Assistant Professor in Media Studies at the University of Copenhagen Ori Goldberg, Political commentator in Tel Aviv Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A drone attack on Khartoum's international airport. The UN says such strikes have killed nearly 900 people in Sudan this year. And the conflict between the army and a paramilitary group is only intensifying. So, is there hope for an end to the fighting? In this episode: Caroline Bouvard, Country Director, Sudan Mission of Solidarites International Kholood Khair, Founding Director at Confluence Advisory Cameron Hudson, former Director for African Affairs at the U.S. National Security Council Host: Sasha Andrijevic Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A new wave of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Attacks by two lesser-known armed groups have killed dozens of people. So, who are they? And how serious a threat do they pose? In this episode: Henry-Pacifique Mayala, Kivu Security Tracker Project Co-ordinator at Ebuteli Rawya Rageh, Senior Crisis Adviser, Amnesty International Kambale Musavuli, Analyst, Center for Research on the Congo-Kinshasa Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Russia's President Vladimir Putin says the Ukraine war may be over soon. Attacks have been intensifying in recent weeks. Stalemate on the battlefield is increasing political pressure for an end. So could the conflict be entering its final phase? In this episode: Dmitry Polyanskiy, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Russian Federation to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Bob Seely, Former Member, UK Parliament. Ben Aris, Founder and Editor-in-chief, bne IntelliNews. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The World Health Organization says public health risks from hantavirus are low. Arrangements are being made to repatriate passengers from a cruise ship, after three people who'd been on board, died. How's the experience from the Covid-19 pandemic being used? In this episode: Dr. Mukesh Kapila - Professor Emeritus of Global Health and Humanitarian Affairs at the University of Manchester. Dr. Margaret Harris - Lecturer at the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, former W.H.O. spokesperson. Nicholas Locker - Professor of Virology at the Pirbright Institute, near Guildford, UK. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

There's been a backlash against UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in local and regional elections across England, Scotland, and Wales, despite a huge parliamentary majority. He's rejecting calls to quit, but faces new challenges from both the left and the right. So, why are these elections so significant? In this episode: Peter Geoghegan, Editor of the investigative news site Democracy for Sale. Lesley Riddoch, Podcaster, journalist and author of 'Blossom: What Scotland Needs to Flourish'. Tim Bale, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London. Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

China's diplomatic role in the Middle East is under sharp focus, as foreign ministers from Beijing and Tehran meet. It's calling on the US and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and for a 'comprehensive' ceasefire. So, can China help end the war? In this episode: Setareh Sadeqi, Assistant Professor, Tehran University's Faculty of World Studies Scott Uehlinger, Former senior CIA officer and U.S. Navy veteran Andy Mok, Senior Research Fellow, Center for China and Globalization Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

India's Hindu nationalist BJP sweeps West Bengal, a state governed by the opposition for decades and historically seen as a symbol of secularism. What does this mean for democracy in India? And for its 200 million Muslims? In this episode: Shaina NC, National spokesperson for Shiv Sena, a conservative party in India Javed Ansari, Political commentator and senior journalist Yogendra Yadav, Civil society activist and co-founder of the Swaraj India political party Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Tension escalates rapidly across the Gulf, despite last month's ceasefire. An oil facility hit in the United Arab Emirates, Iranian boats attacked, while the US tries to force open a shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz. So, what does this mean for hopes of an end to the Iran war? In this episode: Negar Mortazavi, Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy in Washington DC and host of the 'Iran Podcast' Jason Campbell, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute in In Washington DC Jasmine El Gamal, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Averos Strategies, former Pentagon Middle East Adviser between 2008 and 2015 Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israeli forces detained two activists after stopping the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla off the coast of Greece. It happened in international waters nearly a thousand kilometres from the Gaza Strip. So, was this action legal? In this episode: Heidi Matthews, Assistant Professor at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University in Toronto Dan Perry, former Editor of the Associated Press for Europe, the Middle East and Africa and publisher of 'Ask Questions Later' on Substack Lynn Boylan, Member of the European Parliament for Dublin for the Sinn Fein party and Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with Palestine Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

An unlikely coalition of armed groups and rebels launches an offensive in Mali. Russian forces backing the military government are forced to withdraw from bases in the north. Soldiers are suspected of being involved in the attacks.Is Mali's junta losing control? In this episode: Oluwole Ojewale, Regional Coordinator for West and Central Africa, Institute for Security Studies. Kabir Adamu, Managing Director, Beacon Security and Intelligence. Ulf Laessing, Director, Sahel Programme, Konrad Adenauer Foundation. Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Commercial vessels under attack.The blockades by the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz are disrupting global trade.The crisis highlights the danger conflicts and territorial disputes pose to shipping. Why are maritime laws failing to secure the seas? In this episode: Rockford Weiz - Director of Fletcher Maritime Studies program at Tufts University George Theocharidis - Professor of Maritime Law and Policy at the World Maritime University Stavros Karamperidis - Associate Professor in Maritime Economics at Plymouth University's Business School Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube