Podcasts about World politics

A new docuseries investigates the escalating power struggle between China and the US in the Pacific, climate displacement and colonial unrest.

International pressure has ramped up this week on Israel - to end its aid blockade on Gaza - and stop its military offensive. Rory Challands is an international news correspondent based in London and talks to Mihi.

United States President Donald Trump has ambushed South Africa's President Cyril Rama-phosa during a meeting in the oval office, by playing a video that  he claimed proved genocide was being carried out against white south africans. It was the most tense encounter in the Oval office since the bombastic meeting between Trump and Ukraine's President Vlodomyr Zelensky back in February. US correspondent Todd Zwillich has the details.

It's Friday so we cross the ditch to Canberra to talk to our correspondent Kerry-Anne Walsh.

There's been a tense, chaotic, and for South Africa's president, uncomfortable turn in a meeting with US President Donald Trump in the White House. Correspondent Kate Fisher spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

In today's episode, RNZ has been blocked from revealing details of a confidential pre-Budget education report this morning, Thursday's Budget will reveal the government's new spending, and the savings from its sudden pay equity changes, and there's been a tense, chaotic, and for South Africa's president, uncomfortable turn in a meeting with US President Donald Trump in the White House.

After a humiliating election defeat, the historic coalition between the Liberal Party and the National Party has imploded. The extraordinary split between the two conservative parties leaves Australia without a united and effective opposition, meaning that on their own, have no hope of beating Labor at the next election in three years time. Australia correspondent Peter Ryan spoke to Lisa Owen.

The UN is warning that 14,000 babies are estimated to be suffering severe acute malnutrition in Gaza - and ideally they need to get supplies within 48 hours. Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters spoke to Corin Dann.

Christian Smith joins Emile Donovan to share British news and provincial hijinks: from a pivotal UK-EU summit, to a female contender for the Archbishop of Canterbury, and a Kiwi making the UK rich list.

Nights heads over to Tasmania, where the fallout from the election continues. Pacific Editor at Australian Associated Press, Ben McKay joins Emile Donovan to explain more about what's going on across the ditch.

Dr Sam MacKay interviewed 36 expatriates who lived and worked in Kabul's fortified compounds- including three Kiwis - and presented his findings in his thesis: 'Sexcapades, Drug Hazes and Terrorist Attacks: Exploring Expatriate Work and Well-being in Fortified Compounds in a Hostile Environment'.

BBC World journalist Pete Ross joins Emile Donovan to explain the big events making headlines internationally, including the latest from Gaza, Europe and United Kingdom's first summit since Brexit, South Africa's president's upcoming meeting with Donald Trump and the Cannes film festival.

It's Monday so we cross the ditch to Canberra to talk to our correspondent Kerry-Anne Walsh.

In today's episode, the Parliamentary debate of unprecedented suspensions handed down to three Te Pāti Māori MPs has the potential to bring the House to a grinding halt ahead of Thursday's Budget, over the next four years $164 million will go towards setting up urgent care clinics in Counties Manukau, Whangārei, Palmerston North, Tauranga and Dunedin, children as young as six, are being adopted from overseas and forced into domestic slavery, being beaten, threatened, raped and abused, Auckland FC have taken a significant step towards a dream Grand Final appearance in their debut A-League season, beating Melbourne Victory 1-nil in a tense semi-final first leg at AAMI Park, and we have the latest from Kerry-Anne Walsh in Australia.

Our Constitution does not spend a lot of time detailing foreign policy powers.  We know the president can appoint ambassadors, negotiate treaties and use executive agreements in our relations with other governments.  But beyond that, what is the role of the presidency?  What are the checks and balances with the other branches?  What do we mean when we say foreign policy is an “inherent” power?  To walk us through this complex power, we are pleased to have Dr. James S. Robbins as our guest this week.  Dr. Robbins is Dean of Academics, Institute of World Politics ; Senior Fellow in National Security Affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council; and Former special assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

In Qatar's capital, Doha, his limo got a special camel escort - but it was his meeting with Syria's new President that has grabbed a lot of the attention with Trump even describing Ahmed Al Sheraa as attractive. United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen.

Perceived "wealthy" people with more than $3 million in their superannuation accounts are getting edgy about a proposed new tax that might see them pay more. The new tax managed to avoid scrutiny during the recent election campaign, but in the face of the wealthy paying a little more tax, some are starting to pay attention. Australia correspondent Peter Ryan spoke to Lisa Owen.

In today's episode, the Auditor General has issued a scathing assessment of Oranga Tamariki's procurement and contracting practices last year, after a day of uncertainty, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says he's sending a team to Istanbul for peace talks with a Russian delegation, the next America's Cup will be hosted by the Italian city of Naples. America's Cup Defender Team New Zealand chief executive, Grant Dalton, made the announcement on Thursday night, the Black Ferns will face off against defending Pacific Four champions Canada this Saturday, we have our weekly Political Panel and Kerry-Anne Walsh brings us the latest from Australia.

Imagine if the SIS declared one of NZ's elected parties an extremist organisation - sparking calls to have it banned. Historian Katja Hoyer explains why this is happening in Germany.

Dr Stein has been at conferences in London & Abu Dhabi & is also about to be at one in Riyadh.

The United States and China have come to an agreement to temporarily suspend most of the tariffs the two nations had placed on each other's goods. Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives spoke to Corin Dann.

The US military is holding talks with New Zealand about launching more satellites from here. Phil Pennington reports.

Sharemarkets around the world have lifted after a temporary truce in the trade war between China and the US. Westpac's chief economist Kelly Eckhold spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Hamas has released the last known hostage who's a U.S citizen. Correspondent in Tel Aviv Trent Murray spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

In the U.S stocks have soared on opening, and so too oil prices, after a deal was struck in its tariff fight with China. Associated Press White House and economic policy reporter Josh Boak spoke to Corin Dann.

BBC World journalist Jonathan Frewin joins Emile Donovan to explain the big events making headlines internationally, including Donald Trump's first major foreign trip of his term to Saudi Arabia, emerging peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, Romania's presidential election, and the Paris court trial of actor Gerard Depardieu.

In today's episode, National has announced it is stepping up its commitment to pursue a ban on social media for under-16s, The New Zealand TV series, After the Party, has missed out on a BAFTA, at the awards which took place in London, and we cross the Tasman to get the latest from Kerry-Anne Walsh.

In today's episode, a new Pope has been found, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost becomes Pope Leo XIV, booze industry lobbyists have been given input into the development of alcohol policies, including how to deal with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, huge numbers of predatory feral cats are endangering our native birds populations as well as killing other wildlife, we have our weekly political panel and we cross the Tasman to get the latest from Kerry-Anne Walsh.

US President Donald Trump has announced that a trade deal has been agreed with the United Kingdom. Correspondent Simon Marks spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Canada's new Prime Minister has met with his premiers fresh off the back of his Oval Office meeting with Donald Trump. The Globe and Mail senior parliamentary reporter Steven Chase spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Clear battle lines have been drawn in New Zealand politics when it comes to the Trump effect on elections outside the US. Political reporter Russell Palmer reports.

New Zealanders of Indian and Pakistani origin are generally united in their hopes a diplomatic solution can be found to the strikes in the Pakistan controlled Kashmir region these past few days. Narendra Bhana is a businessman originally from India, and he spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Dozens of people have been killed on both the Indian and Pakistani areas of Kashmir after conflict was reignited between the two nations this week. Tayyaba Khan, a New Zealander originally from Pakistan, spoke to Corin Dann.

The New Zealand Film Commission is working to strengthen ties with India and Europe as the United States threatens to slap a 100 percent tariff on any films made here. Film Commission chief executive Annie Murray spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

India and Pakistan remain on the brink of a bigger conflict after India launched military strikes on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wednesday. Correspondent Rebecca Bundhun spoke to Corin Dann.

Tonight on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Sue Bradford & Scott Campbell. They discuss: what's happening in Kashmir and the Auckland super city 15 years on. Plus we hear from care worker Crissie on the human face of pay equity. Sue Bradford is an activist, advocate and former Green MP Scott Campbell is managing director of Strategicly Consulting and a former TV3 political journalist

In today's episode, powerful education union NZEI Te Riu Roa has members involved in a pay equity claim which will now be scrapped, with no settlement reached, National is looking for new friends to support a ban on children under 16 using social media, US President Donald Trump has met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at the White House, a New Zealand theologian says politicking will be at fever pitch as more than 130 cardinals gather in the Vatican to begin the process to elect a new pope, and a lifeguard who saved the life of a father trapped in an upturned boat has been recognised with the top prize at an awards ceremony at Parliament.

In today's episode, the Opposition leader says there is no justification for the Education Minister, Erica Stanford, to have been using a personal email address to access documents, the Corrections Minister has asked officials to look at how shorter sentences relate to higher levels of re-offending and whether longer sentences allow better rehabilitation for offenders, New Zealand's film industry is hoping for another plot twist, after US President Donald Trump suggested he might impose a 100 percent tariff on films that aren't made in America, and Homegrown New Zealand music festival will set up at Hamilton's Claudelands Oval next year, returning to where it all began.

New Zealand's film industry is hoping for another plot twist after US President Donald Trump announced a 100 percent tariff on films that aren't made in America. SPADA president Irene Gardiner spoke to Alexa Cook.

New Zealand's chief trade negotiator and a large team have landed in India for in-person talks aimed at ultimately securing a Comprehensive Free Trade Deal between the two countries. Trade Minister Todd McClay spoke to Alexa Cook.

New Zealand's film industry is hoping for another plot twist after US President Donald Trump announced a 100 percent tariff on films that aren't made in America. Entertainment correspondent Sandro Monetti spoke to Alexa Cook.

The New Zealand Labour Party's election chair says culture-war rhetoric has been rejected in Australia, where the Australian Labor Party has swept to a landslide victory. Morning Report's Corin Dann spoke to Alexa Cook.

The Labor government in Australia has been returned to power with an increased majority after a stunning landslide victory in the Australian Federal election. Morning Report's Corin Dann spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

In today's episode, Australians have re-elected Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese as their country's Prime Minister, Defence Minister Judith Collins has announced the navy will replace its fleet of Seasprite helicopters at a cost of $2 billion, many Wellington residents are angry that Wellington Electricity has kept them in the dark, both in terms of power and information.

It's Monday so we cross the ditch to Canberra to talk to our correspondent Kerry-Anne Walsh.

The election result in Australia at the weekend is almost exactly what happened  in Canada last week, where the centre-left-Liberal party experienced a late surge in support following US President Donald Trump's inauguration. Senior Parliamentary Reporter at The Globe and Mail Steven Chase spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The New Zealand Labour Party's election chair says culture-war rhetoric has been rejected in Australia, where the Australian Labor Party has swept to a landslide victory. Morning Report's Corin Dann spoke to Alexa Cook.

Election booths are opening in Australia just under three hours' time. Incumbent Labor leader Anthony Albanese is considered the favourite, but polls can be wrong.

Territorial expansion is typically understood as a centrally driven and often strategic activity. But Nicholas D. Anderson's new book, Inadvertent Expansion (Cornell University Press, 2025), shows that nearly a quarter of great power coercive territorial acquisitions since the nineteenth century have in fact been instances of what the author calls “inadvertent expansion.” A two-step process, inadvertent expansion first involves agents on the periphery of a state or empire acquiring territory without the authorization or knowledge of higher-ups. Leaders in the capital must then decide whether to accept or reject the already-acquired territory. Through cases ranging from those of the United States in Florida and Texas to Japan in Manchuria and Germany in East Africa, Anderson shows that inadvertent expansion is rooted in a principal-agent problem. When leaders in the capital fail to exert or have limited control over their agents on the periphery, unauthorized efforts to take territory are more likely to occur. Yet it is only when the geopolitical risks associated with keeping the acquired territory are perceived to be low that leaders are more likely to accept such expansion. Accentuating the influence of small, seemingly insignificant actors over the foreign policy behavior of powerful states, Inadvertent Expansion offers new insights into how the boundaries of states and empires came to be and captures timeless dynamics between state leaders and their peripheral agents. Our guest is Nicholas D. Anderson, an Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at The George Washington University. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/political-science

Territorial expansion is typically understood as a centrally driven and often strategic activity. But Nicholas D. Anderson's new book, Inadvertent Expansion (Cornell University Press, 2025), shows that nearly a quarter of great power coercive territorial acquisitions since the nineteenth century have in fact been instances of what the author calls “inadvertent expansion.” A two-step process, inadvertent expansion first involves agents on the periphery of a state or empire acquiring territory without the authorization or knowledge of higher-ups. Leaders in the capital must then decide whether to accept or reject the already-acquired territory. Through cases ranging from those of the United States in Florida and Texas to Japan in Manchuria and Germany in East Africa, Anderson shows that inadvertent expansion is rooted in a principal-agent problem. When leaders in the capital fail to exert or have limited control over their agents on the periphery, unauthorized efforts to take territory are more likely to occur. Yet it is only when the geopolitical risks associated with keeping the acquired territory are perceived to be low that leaders are more likely to accept such expansion. Accentuating the influence of small, seemingly insignificant actors over the foreign policy behavior of powerful states, Inadvertent Expansion offers new insights into how the boundaries of states and empires came to be and captures timeless dynamics between state leaders and their peripheral agents. Our guest is Nicholas D. Anderson, an Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Affairs at The George Washington University. Our host is Eleonora Mattiacci, an Associate Professor of Political Science at Amherst College. She is the author of "Volatile States in International Politics" (Oxford University Press, 2023). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network