The Inside Story Podcast

Israel says it has doubts about Hamas disarming. The group and other Palestinian factions in Gaza have agreed to lay down their weapons. But they say it's dependent on the withdrawal of Israeli troops — which Israel has refused to do unless they disarm. Where does this leave Gaza? In this episode: Xavier Abu Eid, Political analyst and former adviser to the Palestinian negotiating team Michael Mulroy, Former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Nimrod Novick, Former special envoy and senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres Host: Frankie McCamley Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Venezuela's government and a section of the opposition plan to hold talks, backed by the United States. But prominent opposition politician and Nobel laureate Maria Corina Machado has been excluded. So, what can the talks achieve and what's Washington seeking to get from it? In this episode: Elias Ferrer, Political Economy Analyst. Vanessa Neumann, Founder and CEO, Asymmetrica. Charles Shapiro, Former US Ambassador to Venezuela. Host: Frankie McCamley Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Tens of thousands of migrants crossed into Spain's north African territory of Ceuta from Morocco. While most of them have since returned - Spain's been condemned by right-wing politicians in Europe and the United States. Is the criticism about border management or is it politics? In this episode: Anna Terron Cusi - Spain’s former Secretary of State for Immigration and Emigration, who's now a Senior Fellow at the Migration Policy Institute. Daniel Gros - Director of the Institute for European Policymaking at Bocconi University and an Advisor to the EU parliament. Deborah Fleischaker - Former Acting Chief of Staff at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), who's now a Senior Advisor for Immigration Policy and Strategy at UnidosUS. Host: Anna Burns-Francis Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

FIFA is facing a growing backlash after its proposal to sell a stake in its top events. Europe's governing body UEFA has threatened to boycott the World Cup if this plan goes ahead. So, does FIFA need private investment? In this episode: Chris Brady, Football finance expert and Chief Intelligence Officer for the Sportsology Group Bassirou Sakho, FIFA-licensed football agent and professor in the sports department at the Sorbonne University Keir Radnedge, Football journalist covering politics and business and a former Editor of World Soccer magazine Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Anger in Iraq after Saudi Arabia attacked an umbrella paramilitary group with ties to Iran. Riyadh accuses the Popular Mobilization Forces of targeting its oil facilities. As the US-Iran war drags on, what are the risks of the conflict spreading? In this episode: Ahmed Rushdi, Head of the House of Iraqi Expertise Foundation, a policy think-tank and research organisation Ahmed Al Maimouni, Head of Research at the Rasanah International Institute of Iranian Studies And Muhanad Seloom, Assistant Professor in Critical Security Studies at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Sudan's army says it's regained control of a highway connecting the capital to North Kordofan state. The area has become the latest front in the conflict with paramilitaries, which has killed tens of thousands of people. Will it be enough to shift the outcome of the fighting? In this episode: Sanosi Zakaria, Editor-in-chief of the Sudan Mirror and former Sudanese army officer Shashwat Saraf, Sudan Country Director for the Norwegian Refugee Council Elbashir Idris, Sudan analyst Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Peru is getting its ninth president in ten years. Keiko Fujimori is taking the reins more than 25 years after her father's polarising presidency. But the scars of that era still divide Peru. Will her government move beyond his legacy? In this episode: Jose Ragas, Historian and Assistant Professor at the Catholic University of Chile Renata Segura, Programme Director for Latin America and the Caribbean at the International Crisis Group Christopher Sabatini, Director of the Latin America Programme at Chatham House Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Europe engulfed in flames as wildfires spread rapidly. Hundreds of thousands forced from their homes; swathes of land scorched. Climate change has contributed to this unprecedented fire season. But what will it take to bring the situation under control? In this episode: Eduardo Rojas, Chairman of the Board, Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification. Soraya Fettih, Global Campaigns Coordinator, 350.org. Laurie Laybourn, Executive Director, Strategic Climate Risks Initiative. Host: Per Nyberg Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel says it's planning a major military operation in the occupied West Bank. Settler attacks on Palestinians are intensifying, becoming increasingly violent. As Israel is gearing up for an election, how does this escalation serve Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right partners? In this episode: Alon Pinkas - Former Israeli ambassador and consul general in New York Sari Bashi - Human rights lawyer and executive director of the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel Mairav Zonszein - Senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, focused on Israel and Palestine Host: Per Nyberg Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What's the significance of the U.S.-Saudi nuclear deal? The two countries signed an agreement to co-operate on what they say is generating energy for civilian purposes. But in a volatile Middle East, could this deal lead to a new global nuclear arms race? In this episode: Abdulaziz Alghashian, Senior Non-Resident Fellow at Gulf International Forum Barbara Slavin, Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center Simon Mabon, Author, ‘The Struggle for Supremacy in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia and Iran Host: Frankie McCamley Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

India's government is under pressure. Tens of thousands of students are on the streets - demanding the Education Minister's resignation. What started as a protest after exam papers were leaked has turned into a campaign for better living conditions. So, can the youth-led movement bring lasting political change? In this episode: Amulya Dhawan, Political Science and Sociology student at Ashoka University and media volunteer with the Cockroach Janta Party MK Venu, Founding Editor of The Wire Yamini Aiyar, Visiting Professor of Practice at The Watson School of International and Public Affairs, Brown University Host: Anna Burns-Francis Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Southeast Asian nations are gathering for the 2026 ASEAN Summit where topics such as Myanmar and regional security are on the agenda. But officials are gathering amidst an escalating war between the US and Iran. So, will the conflict overshadow the other issues facing ASEAN? In this episode: Richard Heydarian, Political Scientist. Phar Kim Ben, Professor in ASEAN studies at International Islamic Univerisity of Malaysia. Don McLain Gill, Lecturer at De La Salle University. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Khalil al-Hayya has been appointed head of the Hamas political bureau. He played a major role in the ceasefire talks to end Israel's devastating war on Gaza. How significant is his election for both Hamas and the Palestinian territory? In this episode: Ibrahim Fraihat, Professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. Muhammad Shehada, Senior Fellow at European Council on Foreign Relations. Max Rodenbeck, Project Director for Israel and Palestine at International Crisis Group. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Ukraine hits back after Russia carries out one of its largest missile attacks of the war. At the same time, Kyiv is dealing with demonstrations and the political fallout following the dismissal of the defence minister. How will the president handle the crisis? In this episode: Olesia Horiainova, Co-founder and deputy head of the Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Center Glenn Diesen, Professor of International Relations at the University of South-East Norway Bob Seely, Foreign affairs security analyst and stakeholder in the defence tech company, Trypillian Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

From mayor to prime minister. Labour Party leader Andy Burnham has promised to steer the UK in a new direction. He'll have to balance challenges at home with growing uncertainty abroad. So, what will his appointment mean for Britain's role and position on the international stage? In this episode: Jonathan Tonge, Professor of Politics, University of Liverpool. Laurel Rapp, Director, US and North America Program, Chatham House. Mihir Sharma, Principal Research Fellow, Institute for Public Policy Research. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

No safety or security for Palestinians in Gaza. A truce is in place, but Israeli strikes target the Strip nearly every day. Hundreds of people have been killed since it took effect in October. So, what's the purpose of the ceasefire deal? What can be done to bring the attacks to an end? In this episode: Xavier Abu Eid - political analyst and former Communications Director for the Palestine Liberation Organization Julie Norman - Associate Fellow with the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House Gideon Levy - a columnist at Haaretz newspaper Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Extreme weather is causing havoc across much of the world, from record-breaking heatwaves to drought, storms and floods. Scientists warn it's the new normal and that the consequences of climate change are likely to get even worse. So, how will governments cope? In this episode: Daniel Gilford, Climate Scientist at Climate Central Alexandre Borde, Environmental economist and CEO of Cibola Partners Benjamin Horton, Dean of the School of Energy and Environment and Professor of Earth Science, City University of Hong Kong Host: Sami Zeidan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Apple is taking OpenAI to court. The tech giant is suing the artificial intelligence company, accusing it of stealing trade secrets. With the AI race in overdrive, firms are competing to release the latest products. But how's that competition being regulated? In this episode: R 'Ray' Wang - CEO and principal analyst of Constellation Research Nick Akerman - New York attorney and former assistant special Watergate prosecutor Toby Walsh - Chief Scientist, AI Institute at the University of New South Wales Sydney Host: Anna Burns-Francis Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

He's the man behind Qatar's rise on the international stage. Former Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani has died. He'll be remembered as the architect of modern Qatar. What lessons will be learned from his legacy? In this episode: Ibrahim Al Ibrahim, Former Economic Advisor, Office of the Emir of Qatar. Andreas Krieg, Associate Professor, School of Security Studies, King's College London. Patrick Theros, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Gulf International Forum. Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Pakistan carries out another wave of deportations of thousands of Afghan migrants and refugees.It cites national security concerns. But is politics involved in the rising tension between the neighbours? And how is Kabul dealing with the influx of returnees? In this episode: Arafat Jamal - Representative of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Afghanistan Obaidullah Baheer - Adjunct lecturer at the American University of Afghanistan Kamran Bokhari - Senior Fellow with the Middle East Policy Council in Washington DC Zahid Mahmood - Pakistani defence analyst and former senior officer of the Pakistan Army Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

This year's NATO summit in Turkiye is overshadowed by the Iran war. The U.S. wants allies to help it protect shipping in the vital waterway, but what are the risks? In this episode: David Des Roches, Professor at Thayer Marshall Institute and former NATO Operations Director Alam Saleh, Senior Lecturer of Iranian Studies at Australian National University Patrick Bury, Defense and Security Specialist at University of Bath and a former NATO analyst Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Mounting violence in Mali. A coalition of rebels and armed groups has carried out another series of assaults, highlighting the military government's failure to contain the attacks. With the junta under increasing pressure, how will it address this growing security threat? In this episode: Kabir Adamu, Managing Director, Beacon Security and Intelligence Nadina Ronc, independent geopolitical and security analyst Bram Posthumus, political and economic analyst Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Promising to crack down on crime and promoting strong ties with President Trump - right-wing populists are winning elections across Latin America. Is this a passing phase coming out of voters' economic and safety concerns or a lasting shift? And will this tie the region more to the United States? In this episode: Jose Ragas, Historian and Assistant Professor, Catholic University of Chile. Oliver Stuenkel, Associate Professor, School of International Relations, Getulio Vargas Foundation in Brazil. Javier Farje, Journalist and Historian. Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Long lines at petrol stations in one of the world's largest energy producers. Relentless Ukrainian strikes have caused a fuel crisis in Russia. Will economic pressure turn into a political problem for President Vladimir Putin - and move the Kremlin towards talks with Kyiv? In this episode: Alexander Bratersky - Political Analyst and an Independent Journalist. Oleksiy Goncharenko - Ukrainian Member of Parliament. Theresa Fallon - Director of the Centre for Russia Europe Asia Studies. Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

China's new ethnic unity law has come into effect. Rights groups and activists overseas say it will further shrink the rights of minorities. Will the law help forge a shared national identity, as Beijing says? Or is it a step towards forced assimilation? In this episode: Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation Zumretay Arkin, Vice President, World Uyghur Congress William Yang, Senior Analyst for Northeast Asia, International Crisis Group Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Pakistan has said India's suspension of a decades-old treaty could amount to an act of war. And tensions between the two are already high. So, how could they avoid a further escalation? In this episode: Siddharth Varadarajan, founding editor of the independent investigative news organisation, The Wire Michael Kugelman, Senior Fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council Zeeshan Salahuddin, Advisory Director at Tabadlab, a think-tank and consultancy on geopolitics Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Rapid Support Forces are trying to seize the strategic southern city of el-Obeid from the Sudanese military. Rights groups are warning of a potential humanitarian catastrophe. But why is the battle to control the city so important? In this episode: Ali Mahmoud Ali, Sudan Researcher with the Armed Conflict, Location & Event Data project Kholood Khair, Founding Director of Confluence Advisory, a think tank founded in Khartoum with a focus on Sudan Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at Yale School of Public Health Host: Mohammed Jamjoum Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A June 30th deadline set by anti-migrant groups for undocumented foreigners to leave, has come and gone. Thousands protested across the country, against what they say is a broken immigration system. So, what's driving this debate? And what are the political, economic and diplomatic costs? In this episode: William Gumede, Associate Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand Nomvula Mokonyane, First Deputy Secretary General of South Africa's governing ANC party Richard Pithouse, Distinguished Research Fellow at The Global Centre for Advanced Studies Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Several senior politicians have been detained in a wave of arrests. The government says it's just the beginning. But is this about graft, or is politics involved? In this episode: Ahmed Rushdi, President of the think-tank, House of Iraqi Expertise Foundation Renad Mansour, Deputy Director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House Manuel Pirino, Regional Advisor for Middle East and North Africa at Transparency International Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Democratic Republic of Congo takes Rwanda to the International Court of Justice. Kinshasa seeks to hold Kigali responsible for the war in the eastern DRC. But can international law help end one of Africa's longest running conflicts? In this episode: Demas Kiprono, Executive Director at the International Commission of Jurists, Kenya. Kambale Musavuli, Analyst at the Center for Research on the Congo-Kinshasa. Phil Clark, Professor of International Politics at SOAS University of London. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Crimea under a state of emergency. The move comes as Ukraine intensifies attacks on the Russian-controlled region. Kyiv says its aim is to press Moscow to end the war. But is that realistic? And why is Crimea so critical to the wider conflict? In this episode: Leonid Ragozin, independent journalist who focuses on Russia, Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Yulia Kazdobina, Senior Fellow in the Security Studies Program at the Ukrainian Prism Foreign Policy Council. Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security at the University of Birmingham. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Death and destruction after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. The disaster comes just months after U.S. forces abducted the former president. So, how may that impact the flow of aid from Washington? And what kind of politics are at play? In this episode: Jan Eagland, secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council Chris Gilbert, Professor at the Bolivarian University of Venezuela Michael Shifter, Adjunct Professor of Latin American Studies at Georgetown University Paul Dobson, political analyst and independent journalist Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has wrapped up his three-day tour of the Gulf. Regional states want a greater say in security--after coming under attack during the Iran war. So, can Washington rebuild trust with its regional allies? And will Gulf states be able to steer the future of the Strait of Hormuz? In this episode: Abdulla Banndar Al Etaibi, Assistant Professor of International Relations at Qatar University Gordon Gray, Former U.S. Ambassador and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Sina Toossi, Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy, focusing on U.S.-Iran relations Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Benjamin Netanyahu says he's grateful to the US for its military aid but that it's time for Israel to build its own weapons-production capacity. The Israeli prime minister's announcement comes as tensions grow over the US agreement with Iran. But demand soars for Israel's weapons — its arms exports hit a record $19 billion last year. Supporters say that it strengthens Israel's ability to stand on its own. Can Israel afford to lose its greatest ally? In this episode: Alexandre Vautravers, Security and defence policy specialist Michael Mulroy, Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Antony Loewenstein, Author of 'The Palestine Laboratory' Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Keir Starmer is the latest to step down, after nearly two years in office. He'd been expected to put an end to the political chaos. So, what went wrong? And what does it mean for the future of the UK? In this episode: Jennifer Nadel, Co-Founder of the cross-party think tank Compassion in Politics. Tim Bale, Professor of Politics at Queen Mary University of London. Zaid M Belbagi, Managing Partner at Hardcastle Advisory. Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

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