The Newsmakers Video

Joe Biden has announced his bid for re-election in 2024, despite declining approval ratings and being the oldest president in US history. Given the lack of significant challengers from within his own party and the possibility of facing Donald Trump as the Republican nominee, can he secure a second term? Guests: Candice Kerestan International Chair of Democrats Abroad Adolfo Franco Donald Trump's Former Campaign Lawyer Iwan Morgan Emeritus Professor of US studies at University College London

Russia's foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, launched a heated verbal attack on Ukraine during a recent UN council meeting in Moscow. The West responded by condemning Russia's invasion, calling it a violation of the UN Charter. Despite the diplomatic exchanges, violent clashes for control of Bakhmut, a key city in the conflict, continue on the ground. Can diplomatic efforts alone bring about a resolution to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine? Guests: James Carden Columnist for Asia Times Viktor Olevich Lead Expert at the Center for Actual Politics Iuliia Osmolovska Chairperson of Transatlantic Dialogue Center

Tunisia's political landscape is in turmoil following the recent arrest of opposition leader Rached Ghannouchi. The move has been met with widespread condemnation from both the US and EU, who have voiced concerns over the state of democracy in the country. We speak with the daughter of the opposition leader, Yusra Ghannouchi, about the arrest. Then we discuss with other panelists on what the future holds for the country Guests: Yusra Ghannouchi Daughter of Opposition Leader Rached Ghannouchi Larbi Sadiki Professor of International Relations at Qatar University Radwan Masmoudi Member of Ennahda Party

The Vatican has finally disavowed a 500-year old doctrine that European colonialists had used to justify their conquests, after years of calls for action from Indigenous communities throughout the Americas. While some believe that this repudiation helps to correct past injustices, others wonder if it's too little, too late to undo the harm that was done. Guests: Mark Charles Co-author of 'Unsettling Truths' David McCallum Executive Director of the Discerning Leadership Program Rachel Snow Indigenous Consultant Steven Newcomb Author of 'Pagans in the Promised Land'

After years of conflict, Yemen sees hope for peace as warring parties exchange prisoners. This development has raised optimism for an end to the war that has caused the deaths of tens of thousands and displaced millions. However, the road ahead is uncertain, and the world watches to see if this positive momentum will lead to a lasting resolution. Guests: Hussain Albukhaiti Pro-Houthi Journalist Najeeb Ghanem Yemeni MP Ibrahim Jalal Yemeni Conflict and Defence Researcher

Sudan's generals engage in a fierce struggle for control leading to a surge of violence, with four days of heavy fighting resulting in nearly 200 casualties. Can Sudan overcome this hurdle and achieve lasting peace? Guests: El-Waleed Madibo Analyst Hamid Khalafallah Programme Officer for Constitution Building in Sudan at IDEA Cameron Hudson Senior Associate at CSIS for Africa Program

Ethiopia is facing backlash over its decision to dissolve regional forces in 11 states and merge them with the national army, triggering violent protests in Amhara state. Some see the move as necessary to end ethnic divisions, while others view it as a betrayal of the regional forces and a potential threat to the country's stability and unity. Guests: Ledet Muleta Communications Director of Ethiopia Shall Continue Omer Redi Senior Journalist and Political Commentator on Ethiopian Affairs Meaza Gidey Gebremedhin International Relations Specialist at Omna Tigray

The recent release of the newest version of ChatGPT has got some tech leaders worried it's all moving way too fast. Twitter CEO Elon Musk and thousands of others have signed an open letter calling for a six-month ban on the 'dangerous race' to make artificial intelligence as advanced as humans. Guest Nicolas Miailhe Co-Founder of The Future Society Signatory of the Open Letter ‘Pause Giant AI Experiments' Alexandra Seymour Associate Fellow at CNAS Technology and National Security Program Alex Jenkins WA Data Science Innovation Hub Director

This is the worst US intelligence leak since Edward Snowden, but how much has been compromised? Files purporting to show highly classified Pentagon intelligence have emerged online. Washington has vowed to 'turn over every rock' to find the source. But with highly sensitive assessments of the war in Ukraine now in the public domain, can the damage be undone? Guests: Andrij Dobriansky, Director of Communications for the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Viktor Olevich, Lead expert at the Center for Actual Politic Tom O'Connor, Senior Foreign Policy Writer at Newsweek

Malaysia's parliament has introduced laws to end mandatory death sentences for crimes including drug trafficking and murder. But it does not abolish capital punishment. The law gives judges the discretion to decide on appropriate punishment on a case-by-case basis. Guests Ramkarpal Singh Malaysian Deputy Law and Institutional Reform Minister Heng Zhi Li MCA Youth Civil Society Movement Bureau Chief Phil Robertson Human Rights Watch Deputy Asia Director Richard Dieter Death Penalty Information Center Executive Director

The UK is planning to house asylum seekers on barges after the suspension of their initial plan to send them to Rwanda. This new tactic is the latest in a series of controversial measures aimed at managing immigration and discouraging asylum seekers from coming to the UK. Guests: David Campbell Bannerman, Chairperson of The Freedom Association Amanda Jones, Barrister at Great James Street Chambers John Howarth, Director at Politics Without Borders

Beijing remains ‘neutral' after talks with France and the EU in China. While Emmanuel Macron and Ursula Von der Leyen's attempt to change Beijing's position on Ukraine was unsuccessful, the three-day tour resulted in significant business and diplomatic discussions. Guests John Herbst Senior Director of Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center and Retired US Ambassador to Ukraine and Uzbekistan Anne-Elisabeth Moutet French columnist for The Daily Telegraph Andrew Leung International and Independent China Strategist

Forever chemicals are known to cause life-threatening diseases. Although the US Environmental Protection Agency has imposed strict limits on toxic PFAS in drinking water, question remains whether local municipalities are equipped to effectively test the toxins, especially with an estimated 200 million Americans affected. Can regulators truly protect us from forever chemicals? Guests: Richard Connor Editor of UNESCO's World Water Development Report Marc Edwards Environmental Engineering Professor at Virginia Tech Anil Sood President of CHETNA NGO

Amidst rising tensions between China and the US, China has deployed warships near Taiwan, viewing the US visit by Taiwan's President as a provocation. Meanwhile, Taiwan's former president has visited China, stating "we are all Chinese." Are escalating tensions between the two superpowers, putting Taiwan at greater risk of Chinese aggression? Guests: Lin Ching-Yi Spokesperson for Democratic Progressive Party Xu Qinduo Former China Radio International Chief Correspondent Lai I-Chung Vice President at The Taiwan Think Tank Duncan Bartlett Research Associate at SOAS China Institute

After being indicted on 34 felony counts, including falsifying business records, concealing information from voters, and paying hush money to an adult film star, Donald Trump is claiming election interference and arguing that the legal system is being used for political gain. However, Democrats refute his claims and emphasize that everyone, including Trump, should be held accountable under the law. Guests: Adolfo Franco Donald Trump's Former Campaign Lawyer Steve Okun Former Lawyer in Bill Clinton's Administration Jason Osborne Former Senior Adviser to Donald Trump's Presidential Campaign

Rahul Gandhi, the leader of India's opposition, is appealing his conviction for defamation. The opposition parties allege that his sentencing is yet another example of the Modi government's authoritarian tactics. However, the BJP leaders argue that Gandhi's case highlights his party's arrogance and that the judiciary is following the proper legal procedures. Guests: Sudhanshu Mittal Senior BJP Leader Sanjay Jha Former National Spokesperson for Indian National Congress Party Sanjay Hegde Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India

The recent school shooting in Nashville has once again sparked a heated debate over gun control in America. The question on many people's minds is whether this tragic event will serve as a catalyst for change in the country's gun laws or if the status quo will remain. Guests: John Lott Crime Prevention Research Center President Allen Louis Linton II Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at ACM Larry Barton Professor of Crisis Management and Public Safety at UCF

We may have survived Covid-19, but now some scientists are concerned about the potential of antimicrobial resistance, which renders antibiotics ineffective. In the first part of the show, with our guest, we examine the eight new cases of the Marburg virus recently detected in Tanzania, raising the question of whether we are prepared for a potential global outbreak. Then, we discuss with our other panelists reports of a 'post-antibiotic world' and what that looks like. Guests: Angelique Coetzee South African United Business Confederation Health Chairperson Amesh Adalja Senior Scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security Mathew Upton Medical Microbiologist Oliver Jones Professor of Chemistry

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's plans for judicial reform have been delayed due to the persistent protests. However, it remains to be seen whether the demonstrations will continue to sweep the nation despite the delay. Guests: Peter Lerner Director General of Histadrut Global Mitchell Barak Former Aide to PM Benjamin Netanyahu Jeremy Saltan Former Knesset Faction Director of the Yamina Party

Amnesty International's annual report highlights double standards in human rights globally. We first speak with Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard on how the world reacted to the war in Ukraine versus other human rights atrocities. On the second part of the show, we examine the deadly protests in Kenya and questions whether rising inflation is truly causing suffering or if the protests are a political move to destabilise the government. Guests: Agnes Callamard Amnesty International Secretary General Jared Mairura Ratemo Lawyer Catherine Amayi Eco-Feminist

Pro-Khalistan protests have been spreading from the UK to the US and Canada while the hunt for Amritpal Singh, a hardline Sikh separatist, remains ongoing. Who is Amritpal Singh, and what are the reasons behind the growing demands for an independent Sikh state at this time? Guests: Puneet Sahani Sikh Activist Raman Malik BJP Spokesperson Gurcharan Singh Member of the Dal Khalsa UK Ajai Shukla Journalist and Retired Colonel of the Indian Army

With over a million furious citizens taking to the streets, the ongoing protests in France have become increasingly violent. President Macron refuses to back down on pension reform arguing reforms are necessary for the country's benefit. Protesters are accusing him of setting the nation ablaze. As the protests have continue without any signs of abating, can France restore stability and calm the situation? Guests: Isabelle Attard French Anarchist Federation Member Patricia Chagnon European Parliament Member Philippe Marliere Professor of French and European Politics at University College London

Russian President Putin says China's proposed peace plan has the potential to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, although Western nations have dismissed it as flawed. Following the recent visit by Chinese leader Xi Jinping to Russia and discussions with Putin, it remains unclear whether Russia and Ukraine are any closer to achieving peace, leaving the effectiveness of China's peacemaking efforts in question. Guests: Victor Gao Chair Professor of Soochow University Julia Melnikova Program Manager at the Russian International Affairs Council Suzanne Loftus Research Fellow at the Quincy Institute's Eurasia Program

South Africans take to the streets in response to an ongoing energy crisis, leading the government to send in the military to confront the protesters. The demonstrators are calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down due to the severe and ongoing power cuts. Is the ‘National Shutdown' a political power play orchestrated by the Marxist EFF or a genuine reflection of South Africans' frustration with the energy crisis. Guests: Xolani Xala Chairperson of the African National Congress in London Velani Ludidi Journalist at the Daily Maverick Dumisani Baleni EFF Gauteng Media and Communications Officer

The US invasion of Iraq in 2003 was based on the claim that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction. Twenty years later, it is clear that this was not the case, and many question the legitimacy of the decision to go to war. As we reflect on the past two decades, we consider the consequences and costs of the invasion, including its impact on Iraq, the Middle East, and the United States. Guests: Ali Al-Dabbagh Former Iraqi government spokesman Thomas S. Warrick Director of The Future of DHS Project at Atlantic Council Afzal Ashraf Senior UK Government Advisor

Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister, is scheduled to attend court proceedings on Saturday after a contentious arrest warrant was lifted. He will be charged with selling state gifts for personal profit. Is this a fair implementation of justice, or is it a ploy by political adversaries to bring Khan down? Guests: Ahsan Iqbal Minister of Planning, Development and Reforms Asad Rahim Khan Barrister and Constitutional Lawyer Imran Ismail Founding Member of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)

A Chinese brokered deal between the adversaries has some praising a move toward peace, while others fear it could undermine the US and threaten Israel. Is there a possibility of transforming the hostile relationship into a constructive partnership, or does it pose a threat to the US and Israel while leaving other regional players at a disadvantageous position? Guests: Mohammad Marandi Professor of English at Tehran University Fahad Al-Shelaimi Head of the Gulf Peace and Security Forum David Des Roches Professor at the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies

Georgia is facing political unrest. Major protests against a proposed anti-democratic 'foreign agents' bill swept the country. But after the bill's was scraped, pro-Russian groups staged demonstrations, tearing down an EU flag. Can Georgia's government continue to maintain a balance between its ties to the West and its relationships with Russia, without risking instability and its democratic values? Guests: Sergi Kapanadze Former Vice Speaker of Georgian Parliament Temuri Yakobashvili Former Georgian Ambassador to the US

As the battle for Bakhmut continues, casualties rise and Ukrainian troops are being pushed to the city's western edge. With Russian troops closing in from the north and south, the outcome remains uncertain. However, recent reports indicate that Russia's advance may have stalled. Will Ukraine manage to hold on or will the city fall? Guests: William Courtney Former Assistant to US President for Russia, Ukraine and Eurasia Peter Zalmayev Eurasia Democracy Initiative Director Sergey Markov Professor at Moscow State Institute of International Relations

Israelis are expressing their anger over the proposed changes to the judiciary system, by demonstrating en masse. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims that the changes to the judicial system are necessary to restore the balance of power, but critics argue that it would result in the destruction of Israel's democracy. Is Israel on the brink of a constitutional crisis? Guests: Eli Hazan Foreign Affairs Director at the Likud Party Jeremy Saltan Former Knesset Faction Director of the Yamina Party Neri Zilber Adjunct Fellow at The Washington Institute

15-minute cities have become a hotly debated topic among experts, with some arguing that it offers a path towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. However, critics contend that it poses a threat to personal liberties, and could potentially result in the kind of authoritarian control depicted in popular dystopian novels like "The Hunger Games." Guests: Carlton Reid Journalist David Campbell Bannerman Chairman of The Freedom Association Joe McReynolds Urbanist

Despite ongoing protests in Sri Lanka, the government has almost secured a $2.9 billion loan from the IMF, according to the Central Bank Governor. But will this be enough to calm the situation in the island nation. Guests: Aruna Kulatunga Former Advisor to President Ranil Wickremesinghe Ruki Fernando Human Rights Activist Thyagi Ruwanpathirana South Asia Researcher at Amnesty International

The US government argues that TikTok poses a national security threat by allowing user data to be accessed by the Chinese government, while China claims that the US is disregarding the principles of fair competition. TikTok, on the other hand, dismisses these accusations as "political theatre." Amidst these conflicting claims, we search for the truth on. Guests: Darrell West Vice President of Governance Studies at Brookings Institute Gillian Diebold Policy Analyst at the Center for Data Innovation Gerd Leonhard Futurist

With so many crises facing the planet, Myanmar's Muslim minority has been mostly left to fend for itself as refugees in Bangladesh. While the World Food Program cuts funding for food in Rohingya camps, Dhaka is left asking the world for help. We are joined by the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Shahriar Alam to discuss the Rohingya minority and other issues facing the country. Guest: Shahriar Alam Minister of State of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh

One month on from the devastating earthquakes that hit Türkiye, the daunting task of rebuilding begins as thousands of apartment blocks lie in ruins. Across the country, people are still recovering from serious injuries sustained in the disaster, while warnings of secondary diseases remain a significant concern. Guests: Oren Rozner Israeli Search and Rescue Team Jean-Nicolas Dangelser Emergency Prepardness Coordinator at MSF Levent Ozturk Head of Yardim Konvoyu Dr Mufaddal Hamadeh Former President of the Syrian American Medical Society Dr Mazen Kewara Türkiye Country Director of the Syrian American Medical Society

It's been a month since the deadliest earthquake in Türkiye's modern history. Now the country faces the daunting task of debris disposal. The picture is very different to just days after the quakes when volunteers from around the world rushed to the country to lend their support to rescue missions. They risked their own lives to save lives. But now that they've returned home, how are they digesting their experience? Guests: Rizwan Naseer Rescue 1122 Director General David O'Neill Head of Rescue and International Operations at London Fire Brigade Peter Jackovics Commander of the HUNOR Celia Jackson The Humane Society of the United States Program Manager

Following months of negotiations, the EU and Britian have established the Windsor Framework, a new post-Brexit arrangement for Northern Ireland. The agreement seeks to address the issues within the Northern Ireland Protocol that have caused tension between the EU and UK. However, will all parties involved agree to the terms of the new deal? Guests: David Campbell Bannerman Chairman of The Freedom Association Femi Oluwole Political Commentator Denis MacShane Former Europe Minister

Bola Tinubu from the All Progressives Congress Party has emerged as the winner of the Nigerian election four days after voting. However, the opposition has raised concerns over allegations of voter intimidation, low turnout, and widespread delays. How free and fair was the election? Guests: Ier Jonathan-Ichaver Parliamentary Candidate with the African Democratic Congress Kayode Ogundamisi Political Commentator on Nigerian Politics and International Affairs Philip Idaewor Former Chair of the All Progressives Congress UK

Moldova, a small nation that shares a border with Ukraine, is experiencing increased tensions amid allegations that Moscow is behind a pro-Russian coup in the country. Guests: Viktor Olevich Lead Expert at the Center for Actual Politics Alexandru Flenchea Former Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Vlad Lupan Former Representative of the Republic of Moldova to the UN in New York

Russia has halted its involvement in the New START treaty - the sole remaining arms control agreement. As a result, both the United States and Russia's nuclear warheads will be without monitoring for the first time in 50 years, creating concerns about a potential nuclear arms race. Guests: David Jonas Adjunct Professor of Law at George Washington University Sergey Markov Former Member of Russian Parliament John Erath Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation Director Paul Ingram Senior Research Associate at Cambridge University

As Ukrainians struggle through a cold dark winter, President Volodmyr Zelenskyy vows to keep fighting against Russia. But will the massive support for Ukraine endure for another year, and is there any room for negotiations. Guests: Victor Olevich Lead Expert at the Center for Actual Politics Peter Zalmayev Director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative

Helping pull hundreds from the rubble and aiding the injured, thousands of local and foreign volunteers have rushed to assist millions affected by the earthquake. But what's the cost to these heroes? We look at the psychological toll it takes working in and witnessing one of the worst natural disasters of the century. Guests: Dilek Aygun Psychotherapist Ismail Alabdullah The White Helmets Volunteer Halit Karakaya West London Turkish Volunteers Spokesperson Mehmet Yuksel Founder and CEO of Missafir