Podcasts about World politics

Lithium, a crucial input in the batteries powering electric vehicles, has the potential to save the world from climate change. But even green solutions come at a cost. Mining lithium is environmentally destructive. We therefore confront a dilemma: Is it possible to save the world by harming it in the process? Having spent over a decade researching mining and oil sectors in Latin America, Thea Riofrancos is a leading voice on resource extraction. In this episode, we discuss her 2025 book Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism, in which she draws on groundbreaking fieldwork on the global race for lithium. Taking readers from the breathtaking salt flats of Chile's Atacama Desert to Nevada's glorious Silver Peak Range to the rolling hills of the Barroso Region of Portugal, the book reveals the social and environmental costs of “critical minerals.” She takes stock of new policy paradigms in the Global South, where governments seek to leverage mineral assets to jumpstart green development. Zooming out from lithium, we also discuss the evolving geopolitics and geoeconomics of energy transition, critical minerals, and green technology supply chains. — Thea Riofrancos is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Providence College, a Strategic Co-Director of the Climate and Community Institute, and a fellow at the Transnational Institute. Her research focuses on resource extraction, climate change, the energy transition, the global lithium sector, green technologies, social movements, and the Latin American left. She explored these themes in her book, Resource Radicals: From Petro-Nationalism to Post-Extractivism in Ecuador (Duke University Press, 2020), peer-reviewed articles in Cultural Studies, World Politics, and Global Environmental Politics, and her coauthored book, A Planet to Win: Why We Need a Green New Deal (Verso Books, 2019). Her essays have appeared in outlets including The New York Times, Financial Times, The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, The Guardian, and more. Thea's latest book, which we discuss on this episode, is Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism (W.W. Norton 2025). Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism (W.W. Norton 2025) The Security–Sustainability Nexus: Lithium Onshoring in the Global North in Global Environmental Politics 2022 Resource Radicals: From Petro-Nationalism to Post-Extractivism in Ecuador (Duke University Press, 2020) A Planet to Win: Why We Need a Green New Deal (Verso Books, 2019) 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

Lithium, a crucial input in the batteries powering electric vehicles, has the potential to save the world from climate change. But even green solutions come at a cost. Mining lithium is environmentally destructive. We therefore confront a dilemma: Is it possible to save the world by harming it in the process? Having spent over a decade researching mining and oil sectors in Latin America, Thea Riofrancos is a leading voice on resource extraction. In this episode, we discuss her 2025 book Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism, in which she draws on groundbreaking fieldwork on the global race for lithium. Taking readers from the breathtaking salt flats of Chile's Atacama Desert to Nevada's glorious Silver Peak Range to the rolling hills of the Barroso Region of Portugal, the book reveals the social and environmental costs of “critical minerals.” She takes stock of new policy paradigms in the Global South, where governments seek to leverage mineral assets to jumpstart green development. Zooming out from lithium, we also discuss the evolving geopolitics and geoeconomics of energy transition, critical minerals, and green technology supply chains. — Thea Riofrancos is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Providence College, a Strategic Co-Director of the Climate and Community Institute, and a fellow at the Transnational Institute. Her research focuses on resource extraction, climate change, the energy transition, the global lithium sector, green technologies, social movements, and the Latin American left. She explored these themes in her book, Resource Radicals: From Petro-Nationalism to Post-Extractivism in Ecuador (Duke University Press, 2020), peer-reviewed articles in Cultural Studies, World Politics, and Global Environmental Politics, and her coauthored book, A Planet to Win: Why We Need a Green New Deal (Verso Books, 2019). Her essays have appeared in outlets including The New York Times, Financial Times, The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, The Guardian, and more. Thea's latest book, which we discuss on this episode, is Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism (W.W. Norton 2025). Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism (W.W. Norton 2025) The Security–Sustainability Nexus: Lithium Onshoring in the Global North in Global Environmental Politics 2022 Resource Radicals: From Petro-Nationalism to Post-Extractivism in Ecuador (Duke University Press, 2020) A Planet to Win: Why We Need a Green New Deal (Verso Books, 2019) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/latin-american-studies

Nicolas Maduro and Cilla Flores have pleaded not guilty on charges of narcoterrorism. US correspondent Zach Montellaro spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Historian Dr Matthew O'Meagher explains how Venezuela has changed from being a regional economic powerhouse. He spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Katherine Halkett, a Venezuelan woman living in New Zealand spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Former New Zealand Prime Minister and UN leader, Helen Clark says the actions of the United States in Venezuela breach international law. Clark spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

US correspondent Nick Harper spoke to Melissa Chan-Green with the latest on the United States actions in Venezuela.

Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss new GDP numbers that show the economy grew at 4.3 percent in the third quarter of 2025, exceeding expectations. Also, President Donald Trump announced plans yesterday to build a new class of battleship as part of what he calls “The Golden Fleet.” And Hunter Biden reemerged yesterday, criticizing his father's administration in a five-and-a-half hour long podcast where he revealed he is $15M in debt and claims there is “no generational wealth” in the Biden family. Then, James S.Robbins, Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics in Washington DC, joins the guys to discuss U.S. policy toward Venezuela, the naming of a new special envoy to Greenland, and the State Department's decision to reassign 30 ambassadors in order to align foreign policy with the President's directions. And they discuss CBS Editor in Chief Bari Weiss and her decision to pull a 60 Minutes report on the deportation of Venezuelan immigrants to a prison in El Salvador, saying it lacked context. Despite her last minute action, the story aired in Canada and is now available online. Also, today is Festivus, and Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) has released his annual list of grievances concerning government waste in 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Wallace for New Zealand's most explosive 30 minutes of politics. He is joined by panellists Maria Slade, Fran O'Sullivan and Sue Bradford. They touch briefly on the Bondi shooting, before diving into the newly-announced mega Ministry: the Ministry of Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport. Then, they look at some bold calls from ACT leader David Seymour in his end-of-year NZ Herald interview, and finally, they unpack a move from the Reserve Bank to reduce the amount of capital that banks must hold against their loans.

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about the death of legendary Hollywood director Rob Reiner, as well as the hunt continuing for a suspect on the deadly Brown University shooting.

As vigils for victims are held and more information about the alleged gunmen of the Bondi Beach attacks is revealed, Sydney residents are still reeling from the event. Brad Foster joins Jesse to offer a local perspective.

Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Alan McElroy and Jennie Moreton. First up, Hauraki Mayor Toby Adams says council staff are copping serious threats from members of the public over increases in water rates. Then, a bowling club at Auckland's Point Chevalier has had it's existence threatened by a lack of clarity about who owns the land.  

Raising Expectations with Pastor Joe Schofield, Dr. Paul Hall, Stefanie Thayer, Dr. Craig Thayer, Pastor Ron Greer Guest, Jim S Robbins, Historian, Dean of Academics, Institute of World Politics Friends, it is always a great honor and pleasure to have our friend Dr. Robbins with us. As Jim shares, we will be discussing the issues and events happening in Washington and around the world today with President Trump and his administration! ( www.iwp.edu ) Dr. Robbins is an outstanding historian and Dean of Academics, IWP (Institute of World Politics); Senior Fellow in National Security Affairs at the American Foreign Policy Council; Former special assistant in the Office of the Secretary of Defense. Jim is a man of Faith in God and love for our Country. He has the ability to hear and discern the root of a question and the heart of the person asking! The Team! Pastor Joe Schofield,  Dr. Paul Hall,  Stefanie Thayer,  Dr. Craig Thayer,  Pastor Ron Greer.

Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown talks to Lisa Owen about the reaction in Israel to the fatal terror attack on the Jewish community at Bondi Beach.

A terror attack at Sydney's Bondi beach has killed 16 people, including a 10-year-old girl. It's the worst mass shooting in Australia in three decades - and brought renewed focus on Australia's gun laws. Let's get the latest from our correspondent in Sydney, Nick Grimm who joins us live.

The process to get into the United States could be changing. Visitors from New Zealand, and other countries like Australia and Europe, have to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation or ESTA ...currently that asks for your contact details and emergency contacts. But soon it could also ask for your social media accounts.

Start a new sport, learn an instrument or read a book was the advice given by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today as millions of teens lost access to their social media accounts. The world-first nationwide ban bars anyone under the age of 16 from accessing ten major apps including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. Australia correspondent Katie Silver spoke to Lisa Owen.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about school's in the UK reintroducing Covid measures to combat this season's flu outbreak, as well as the owner of a controversial nude gladiator statue preparing for a legal fight.

This week, Australia bans kids under 16 from social media platforms. Should the US do the same? The CDC votes to change the recommendations for the hepatitis B infant vaccination schedule. Notre Dame is snubbed from the playoffs and rejects a bowl game. Mike Cosper and Clarissa Moll discuss these headlines. Then, Mike sits down with Rebeccah Heinrichs of The Hudson Institute for a conversation about the shifting historical narratives of the far right, why young men are drawn to authoritarian ideas, and the importance of maintaining global alliances to prevent world wars.     GO DEEPER WITH THE BULLETIN:  -Join the conversation at our Substack.  -Find us on YouTube.  -Rate and review the show in your podcast app of choice.  ABOUT THE GUESTS: Rebeccach Heinrichs is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute and the director of its Keystone Defense Initiative. She specializes in US national defense policy with a focus on strategic deterrence. Heinrichs currently serves as a commissioner on the bipartisan Strategic Posture Commission, which was created in the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. She also serves on the US Strategic Command Advisory Group and the National Independent Panel on Military Service and Readiness. She is an adjunct professor at the Institute of World Politics, where she teaches nuclear deterrence theory and is also a contributing editor of Providence: A Journal of Christianity and American Foreign Policy. ABOUT THE BULLETIN:  The Bulletin is a twice-weekly politics and current events show from Christianity Today moderated by Clarissa Moll, with senior commentary from Russell Moore (Christianity Today's editor-at-large and columnist) and Mike Cosper (senior contributor). Each week, the show explores current events and breaking news and shares a Christian perspective on issues that are shaping our world. We also offer special one-on-one conversations with writers, artists, and thought leaders whose impact on the world brings important significance to a Christian worldview, like Bono, Sharon McMahon, Harrison Scott Key, Frank Bruni, and more.    The Bulletin listeners get 25% off CT. Go to https://orderct.com/THEBULLETIN to learn more.    “The Bulletin” is a production of Christianity Today  Producer: Clarissa Moll  Associate Producer: Alexa Burke  Editing and Mix: TJ Hester Graphic Design: Rick Szuecs Music: Dan Phelps  Executive Producer: Erik Petrik  Senior Producer: Matt Stevens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

US correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about media giant Paramount throwing its hat in the ring to buy Warner Brothers, sparking a bidding war with Netflix, as well as the Defence Secretary facing more pressure around US strikes on alleged drug boats.

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about calls in Australia for an overhaul of parliamentary entitlement rules as a senior government Minister faces controversy amid daily revelations detailing how she and her family have enjoyed some of the perks of office.

We crossed the ditch to Canberra to talk to our correspondent Kerry-Anne Walsh.

World News Wrap for 8 December 2025.

Following the end of the Cold War, the world experienced a remarkable wave of democratization. Over the next two decades, numerous authoritarian regimes transitioned to democracies, and it seemed that authoritarianism as a political model was fading. But as recent events have shown, things have clearly changed.In Dictating the Agenda: The Authoritarian Resurgence in World Politics (Oxford UP, 2025), authors Dr. Alexander Cooley and Dr. Alexander Dukalskis reveal how today's authoritarian states are actively countering liberal ideas and advocacy surrounding human rights and democracy across various global governance domains. The transformed global context has unlocked for authoritarian states the possibility to contend with Western liberal soft power in new, traditionally "non-political" ways, including by plugging or even reversing the very channels of influence that originally spread liberalism. Dr. Cooley and Dr. Dukalskis ultimately advance a theory of authoritarian snapback, the process in which non-democratic states limit the transnational resonance of liberal ideas at home and advance anti-liberal norms and ideas into the global public sphere.Drawing from a range of evidence, including field work interviews and comparative case studies that demonstrate the changing nature of consumer boycotts, a database of authoritarian government administrative actions against foreign journalists, a database of global content-sharing agreement involving Chinese and Russian state media, and a database of transnational higher education partnerships involving authoritarian and democratic countries, this book doesn't just reveal the limits of the liberal influence taken for granted across the world. It offers a novel theory of how authoritarian governments figured out how to exploit and repurpose the same actors, tools, and norms that once exclusively promoted and sustained US-backed liberalism. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. 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

Following the end of the Cold War, the world experienced a remarkable wave of democratization. Over the next two decades, numerous authoritarian regimes transitioned to democracies, and it seemed that authoritarianism as a political model was fading. But as recent events have shown, things have clearly changed.In Dictating the Agenda: The Authoritarian Resurgence in World Politics (Oxford UP, 2025), authors Dr. Alexander Cooley and Dr. Alexander Dukalskis reveal how today's authoritarian states are actively countering liberal ideas and advocacy surrounding human rights and democracy across various global governance domains. The transformed global context has unlocked for authoritarian states the possibility to contend with Western liberal soft power in new, traditionally "non-political" ways, including by plugging or even reversing the very channels of influence that originally spread liberalism. Dr. Cooley and Dr. Dukalskis ultimately advance a theory of authoritarian snapback, the process in which non-democratic states limit the transnational resonance of liberal ideas at home and advance anti-liberal norms and ideas into the global public sphere.Drawing from a range of evidence, including field work interviews and comparative case studies that demonstrate the changing nature of consumer boycotts, a database of authoritarian government administrative actions against foreign journalists, a database of global content-sharing agreement involving Chinese and Russian state media, and a database of transnational higher education partnerships involving authoritarian and democratic countries, this book doesn't just reveal the limits of the liberal influence taken for granted across the world. It offers a novel theory of how authoritarian governments figured out how to exploit and repurpose the same actors, tools, and norms that once exclusively promoted and sustained US-backed liberalism. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/east-asian-studies

Following the end of the Cold War, the world experienced a remarkable wave of democratization. Over the next two decades, numerous authoritarian regimes transitioned to democracies, and it seemed that authoritarianism as a political model was fading. But as recent events have shown, things have clearly changed.In Dictating the Agenda: The Authoritarian Resurgence in World Politics (Oxford UP, 2025), authors Dr. Alexander Cooley and Dr. Alexander Dukalskis reveal how today's authoritarian states are actively countering liberal ideas and advocacy surrounding human rights and democracy across various global governance domains. The transformed global context has unlocked for authoritarian states the possibility to contend with Western liberal soft power in new, traditionally "non-political" ways, including by plugging or even reversing the very channels of influence that originally spread liberalism. Dr. Cooley and Dr. Dukalskis ultimately advance a theory of authoritarian snapback, the process in which non-democratic states limit the transnational resonance of liberal ideas at home and advance anti-liberal norms and ideas into the global public sphere.Drawing from a range of evidence, including field work interviews and comparative case studies that demonstrate the changing nature of consumer boycotts, a database of authoritarian government administrative actions against foreign journalists, a database of global content-sharing agreement involving Chinese and Russian state media, and a database of transnational higher education partnerships involving authoritarian and democratic countries, this book doesn't just reveal the limits of the liberal influence taken for granted across the world. It offers a novel theory of how authoritarian governments figured out how to exploit and repurpose the same actors, tools, and norms that once exclusively promoted and sustained US-backed liberalism. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/world-affairs

Following the end of the Cold War, the world experienced a remarkable wave of democratization. Over the next two decades, numerous authoritarian regimes transitioned to democracies, and it seemed that authoritarianism as a political model was fading. But as recent events have shown, things have clearly changed.In Dictating the Agenda: The Authoritarian Resurgence in World Politics (Oxford UP, 2025), authors Dr. Alexander Cooley and Dr. Alexander Dukalskis reveal how today's authoritarian states are actively countering liberal ideas and advocacy surrounding human rights and democracy across various global governance domains. The transformed global context has unlocked for authoritarian states the possibility to contend with Western liberal soft power in new, traditionally "non-political" ways, including by plugging or even reversing the very channels of influence that originally spread liberalism. Dr. Cooley and Dr. Dukalskis ultimately advance a theory of authoritarian snapback, the process in which non-democratic states limit the transnational resonance of liberal ideas at home and advance anti-liberal norms and ideas into the global public sphere.Drawing from a range of evidence, including field work interviews and comparative case studies that demonstrate the changing nature of consumer boycotts, a database of authoritarian government administrative actions against foreign journalists, a database of global content-sharing agreement involving Chinese and Russian state media, and a database of transnational higher education partnerships involving authoritarian and democratic countries, this book doesn't just reveal the limits of the liberal influence taken for granted across the world. It offers a novel theory of how authoritarian governments figured out how to exploit and repurpose the same actors, tools, and norms that once exclusively promoted and sustained US-backed liberalism. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/communications

Following the end of the Cold War, the world experienced a remarkable wave of democratization. Over the next two decades, numerous authoritarian regimes transitioned to democracies, and it seemed that authoritarianism as a political model was fading. But as recent events have shown, things have clearly changed.In Dictating the Agenda: The Authoritarian Resurgence in World Politics (Oxford UP, 2025), authors Dr. Alexander Cooley and Dr. Alexander Dukalskis reveal how today's authoritarian states are actively countering liberal ideas and advocacy surrounding human rights and democracy across various global governance domains. The transformed global context has unlocked for authoritarian states the possibility to contend with Western liberal soft power in new, traditionally "non-political" ways, including by plugging or even reversing the very channels of influence that originally spread liberalism. Dr. Cooley and Dr. Dukalskis ultimately advance a theory of authoritarian snapback, the process in which non-democratic states limit the transnational resonance of liberal ideas at home and advance anti-liberal norms and ideas into the global public sphere.Drawing from a range of evidence, including field work interviews and comparative case studies that demonstrate the changing nature of consumer boycotts, a database of authoritarian government administrative actions against foreign journalists, a database of global content-sharing agreement involving Chinese and Russian state media, and a database of transnational higher education partnerships involving authoritarian and democratic countries, this book doesn't just reveal the limits of the liberal influence taken for granted across the world. It offers a novel theory of how authoritarian governments figured out how to exploit and repurpose the same actors, tools, and norms that once exclusively promoted and sustained US-backed liberalism. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Following the end of the Cold War, the world experienced a remarkable wave of democratization. Over the next two decades, numerous authoritarian regimes transitioned to democracies, and it seemed that authoritarianism as a political model was fading. But as recent events have shown, things have clearly changed.In Dictating the Agenda: The Authoritarian Resurgence in World Politics (Oxford UP, 2025), authors Dr. Alexander Cooley and Dr. Alexander Dukalskis reveal how today's authoritarian states are actively countering liberal ideas and advocacy surrounding human rights and democracy across various global governance domains. The transformed global context has unlocked for authoritarian states the possibility to contend with Western liberal soft power in new, traditionally "non-political" ways, including by plugging or even reversing the very channels of influence that originally spread liberalism. Dr. Cooley and Dr. Dukalskis ultimately advance a theory of authoritarian snapback, the process in which non-democratic states limit the transnational resonance of liberal ideas at home and advance anti-liberal norms and ideas into the global public sphere.Drawing from a range of evidence, including field work interviews and comparative case studies that demonstrate the changing nature of consumer boycotts, a database of authoritarian government administrative actions against foreign journalists, a database of global content-sharing agreement involving Chinese and Russian state media, and a database of transnational higher education partnerships involving authoritarian and democratic countries, this book doesn't just reveal the limits of the liberal influence taken for granted across the world. It offers a novel theory of how authoritarian governments figured out how to exploit and repurpose the same actors, tools, and norms that once exclusively promoted and sustained US-backed liberalism. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Australia correspondent Nick Grimm spoke to Lisa Owen about the Albanese Government rolling out its new "National Artificial Intelligence Plan" in a bid to encourage innovation and investment in the digital sector while also implementing safeguards for threats posed by the rapidly advancing technology.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about Chancellor Rachel Reeves rejecting claims that she lied about the UK's finances ahead of the budget announcement, as well as a long-lost painting with an incredible story that has sold at auction in Versailles.

Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown spoke to Lisa Owen about Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu asking for a presidential pardon in the numerous corruption cases against him, as well as Syria witnessing its most deadly attack by a foreign nation since its former President was ousted last year.

Tonight, he'll discuss the deadly flooding in Asia, the latest negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, and the upcoming draw for next year's World Cup.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff has resigned following an anti corruption raid on his home. 

United States correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about a shooting just blocks away from the White House which has left two National Guard troops in a critical condition

Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown spoke to Lisa Owen about officials actively working towards the second phase of the Gaza Ceasefire deal, as well as Pope Leo who is due to visit the Middle East on his first trip out of Italy since taking over.

We cross the ditch to Canberra to talk to our correspondent Kerry-Anne Walsh.

Two National Guard soldiers remain in a critical condition after being shot in Washington DC. Correspondent Toni Waterman spoke to Corin Dann.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about a rise in Russian activity in UK waters, as well as poultry potentially being off the menu for some households in the UK this Christmas.

Polling has closed in Tonga's national general election which is being conducted amid a massive fuel shortage in the capital. There are 71 candidates vying for a seat in parliament including eight women. More than 64,000 voters are on the electoral roll but the kingdom has struggled with low voter turnout since democratic reforms in 2010. RNZ Pacific senior reporter Teuila Fuatai is in Nuku'alofa and spoke to Lisa Owen.

Jesse catches up with Brad Foster about the news across the Tasman. Today he'll chat about The Liberal Party's decision to abandon net zero by 2050 climate target; where Australia is at with the play sand recall and the latest in sport.

The former prime minister of Bangladesh has been sentenced to death after a tribunal found her guilty of crimes against humanity. Journalist Devina Gupta spoke to Corin Dann.

US President Donald Trump has axed tariffs on some foods, in the face of rising grocery prices. Zespri's chief executive, Jason Te Brake spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

US President Donald Trump has scrapped tariffs on hundreds of foods - including beef, coffee and tropical fruit, as he faces pressure over the rising cost of groceries in the States. Trade Minister Todd McClay spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown spoke to Lisa Owwen about Donald Trump wading into a controversial court case surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as Israel opening up another border crossing into Gaza for aid deliveries.

US correspondent Todd Zwillich spoke to Lisa Owen about the longest ever US government shut down coming to an end after 43 days, after the House of Representatives narrowly approved a bill that will provide the necessary funding to re-open government.

About the Lecture: "Our democracy is getting self-destroyed, for it abused the rights of freedom and of equality; for it taught the citizens to regard insolence as a right, illegality as freedom, impertinence as equality, and anarchy as happiness." Isocrates, Athenian orator (436-338 BC) Democracy first emerged in ancient Athens in 507 BC following a long turbulent period of aristocracy and tyranny, when a nexus of intertwined geopolitical, sociopolitical, economic, and cultural developments led to the morphogenesis of this new political constitution. Athenian Democracy formulated the political ideology and fundamental principles that were later canonized by modern democracies, formalized defensive mechanisms against undue concentration of power and employed innovative integrative mechanisms to propagate its ideology and educate the citizens. Pathogenic traits-catalysts, however, such as the extreme polarization between mass and elite, demagogy, populism, failure of justice, apathy, and poor education caused extensive political ankylosis. Internal corrosion and changing historical conditions caused the decline and fall of Democracy three centuries later.Isocrates' aphorism, therefore, rings alarmingly all too pragmatic and relevant today, 250 years since the resurgence of Democracy in the modern era. Are we running a similar cycle, repeating old mistakes, standing at the same juncture, heading towards the same dead end? To navigate forward, find solutions, and shape our future, we need first to study our past. About the Speaker: With over 35 years of experience in archaeology, teaching, and administration, Prof. Christofilis Maggidis is a faculty member at the Institute of World Politics in Washington, D.C., President of the Mycenaean Foundation, and Field Director of Excavations at Mycenae and Lamia. Throughout his career, Prof. Maggidis has combined academic leadership with a commitment to innovative teaching and interdisciplinary research. He earned the BA at the University of Athens, the Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania, and completed postdoctoral research at Brown University. Prof. Maggidis taught at Campus College and the University of Indianapolis, Athens, Greece, and held the distinguished Christopher Roberts Chair in Archaeology at Dickinson College for two decades, where he created and chaired the Department of Archaeology, designed the archaeology academic curriculum, and directed study abroad programs. In 2022 Prof. Maggidis joined the Institute of World Politics in Washington D.C. where he teaches at graduate level and directs "Hermes," the Institute's study abroad program in Greece. His research focuses on Minoan and Mycenaean archaeology, Classical Greek art and architecture, and archaeological methodology. With 40 years of field experience, Prof. Maggidis has led excavations at prominent sites in Greece, including Mycenae, Glas, and the Spercheios Valley, making significant discoveries and directing acclaimed field schools that trained over 450 students from 44 universities worldwide. Maggidis has secured substantial external and institutional funding for his research and fieldwork ($2.8million), and his findings have been widely disseminated in scholarly publications and international media. His scholarly publications comprise 26 articles, numerous field reports, one book submitted for publication and three forthcoming books. Furthermore, Prof. Maggidis has presented 45 international conference papers and delivered 42 invited lectures at prestigious universities and institutes worldwide.

United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about BBC director general Tim Davie and CEO of News Deborah Turness resigning over a Donald Trump documentary edit.

Middle East correspondent Jacob Brown spoke to Lisa Owen about more information emerging on the atrocities unfolding in Sudan, as well as the fragile ceasfire largely holding in Gaza, bringing more signs of a return to normality.

In this episode, Dan Hugger speaks with Anne Bradley, vice president of academic affairs at The Fund for American Studies and professor of economics at The Institute of World Politics, about Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson's book Abundance, which she reviewed for Religion & Liberty Online. What is the concept of “abundance,” and who comprises the book's audience? […]