The Inside Story Podcast

Chileans have elected their most conservative leader in decades. Jose Antonio Kast's victory is another sign South America is veering to the right. But what's behind this shift? And what are the political implications, both across the region and beyond? In this episode:  Claudio Barrientos, Professor, School of History, Diego Portales University. Jose Ragas, Historian and Assistant Professor, Catholic University of Chile. Christopher Sabatini, Senior Fellow, Latin America, Chatham House. Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

How will the US respond to the killing of three of its soldiers in Syria? Washington blames the Islamic State for the attack and vows retaliation. So, does that mean direct military involvement? And if so, what role would the new Syrian government play? In this episode:  Colin Clarke, Executive Director, The Soufan Center. Dareen Khalifa, Senior Adviser, International Crisis Group. Orwa Ajjoub, Syria Expert and PHD Candidate, Global Politics. Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

US president Donald Trump eases sanctions on Belarus after it frees more than 100 political prisoners. Stiff European sanctions remain in place against the close Russian ally. So, why's the deal been struck now, and what's the reaction in Russia, Ukraine and the EU?  In this episode:  Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarus Opposition Leader. Franak Viacorka, Non-resident fellow, Atlantic Council Mark Episkopos, Research Fellow, Quincy Institute’s Eurasia Program. Andrey Kortunov, Russian Foreign Affairs Analyst. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The US and UN warn violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo could escalate into a regional conflict. Hundreds of people killed as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels seize another city, just over a week after the US brokered a peace deal. How dangerous is the situation?  In this episode:  Kambale Musavuli - Analyst at the Center for Research on the Congo- Kinshasa Richard Moncrieff - Project Director for the Great Lakes region at the International Crisis Group Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Twenty-seven European nations which are signatories to the European Convention on Human Rights want the treaty changed to restrict migration. Opponents say altering it will weaken fundamental human rights protections in place for more than 70 years. So what are the arguments?  In this episode:  Michael O'Flaherty - Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights and former director of the European Union Fundamental Rights Agency.  Jennifer Nader - co-founder of the Compassion in Politics think-tank in London.  Michael McDowell - Senator in Ireland's parliament and former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Justice. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

European leaders have sent new peace proposals for the war in Ukraine to US President Donald Trump. Loss of territory to Russia and use of frozen Russian assets in Ukraine remain areas of disagreement. But could the war be nearing an end? In this episode:  Peter Zalmayev - Director of Eurasia Democracy Initiative Chris Weafer - CEO of Macro-Advisory, a strategic consultancy focused on Russia and Eurasia Steven Erlanger - Chief Diplomatic Correspondent for Europe at The New York Times  Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Australia has become the first country in the world to ban social media use for children younger than 16. The move has divided public opinion there, but other countries are considering restrictions too. What are the arguments for and against? Will the ban work?   In this episode:  Charlotte Armitage, Psychologist, author of ‘Generation Zombie’ Kate Sim, Program Director of Children's Online Safety and Privacy Research at the University of Western Australia Adrian Monck, Author of 'Can You Trust the Media?' and a senior adviser on artificial intelligence and technology Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Tanzania's government is under pressure. Opposition activists are angry about an election that they say was a sham and had called for protests to coincide with Independence Day. The US says it's reconsidering its relationship with the country for the crackdown that followed October's disputed vote. So, what does it all mean for Tanzania's future? In this episode:  Palamagamba Kabudi, Tanzanian Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports. Dorothy Semu, ACT-Wazelenko Opposition Party Leader. Oryem Nyeko, Senior Researcher, Africa Division, Human Rights Watch.  Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Nearly two thousand dead and hundreds missing in one of the worst storm seasons in Southeast Asia's recorded history. Cyclones, typhoons and back-to-back tropical storms are causing floods and landslides so large that some areas may never recover. So how can countries continue to face this escalating threat? And can they afford to keep rebuilding? In this episode:  Alexandre Borde, Environmental Economist and CEO, Cibola Partners.  Sehr Raheja, Programme Officer, Climate Change Programme, Centre for Science and Environment.  Benjamin Horton, Professor, Earth Science, City University of Hong Kong.  Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Hope, promise and enormous challenges. It's been one year since the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, and even while it celebrates, the country is also confronting the problems of a transitional state. So what kind of Syria is the new government building? In this episode:  Haid Haid, Researcher, Chatham House. Ammar Kahf, Executive Director, Omran Center for Strategic Studies. Heiko Wimmen, Project Director for Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, International Crisis Group. Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

From limo diplomacy to a ceremonial guard - Vladimir Putin got a red-carpet welcome in India this week.He was there to talk trade ties and energy supply with Narendra Modi. But as New Delhi tries to walk a tightrope between Moscow and Washington - who stands to benefit the most, and what's at stake? In this episode:  Brahma Chellaney - Professor of Strategic Studies at the Center for Policy Research.  Thomas Pickering - former diplomat and U.S. Ambassador to India and Russia. Aleksei Zakharov - fellow at Observer Research Foundation focusing on Russia's foreign policy towards South Asia and its relations with India. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Surrounded by his cabinet, US President Donald Trump described Somalis living in America as 'garbage'. The comments have been widely condemned, but not by his supporters. What are the implications - not just in the US but elsewhere?  In this episode:  Samakab Hussein - Somali-American and Minnesota State House Representative Joi Chaney - Lawyer and Democratic political strategist Eric Ham - Political analyst and former U.S. Congressional staffer Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

France's President Emmanuel Macron visits China for a three-day state visit - at a tricky time in relations. Under discussion - trade and the Ukraine war - with big differences between the two. What are the divisions - and what's at stake? In this episode:  Andy Mok - Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization Rémi Bourgeot - Associate Research Fellow at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs Ben Aris - Founder and editor-in-chief of bne IntelliNews Host: Tom McRae Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

India is rolling out a set of simplified labour codes to modernise outdated laws. Unions describe the changes as sweeping and aggressive. So, who stands to benefit -- workers seeking job security and fair wages? Or employers looking for flexibility and lower staffing costs? In this episode:  Harshil Sharma - Labour economist who specialises in reforms and welfare  Surbhi Kesar - Senior Lecturer in Economics at SOAS University of London Sudip Dutta - National Secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

African leaders want colonial-era abuses recognised and criminalised. Algeria says a legal framework would ensure reparations are neither a gift nor a favour. So, how could former colonial powers be held accountable? And can the cost of those atrocities be measured? In this episode:  Abdelkader Abderrahmane, Independent Researcher.  Liliane Umubyeyi, Co-Founder, African Futures Lab. Nicolas Normand, Former French Ambassador to Mali, the Republic of Congo/Congo-Brazzaville and Senegal.  Host: Bernard Smith Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked for a presidential pardon to end his criminal prosecution. He says it will unite the public but critics say he's driving further division. So, what are the long-term implications for Israel?  In this episode:  Dan Perry, Political Analyst.  Neve Gordon, Professor, Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, Queen Mary University of London. Mitchell Barak, Former Aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  Host: Bernard Smith Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Venezuela accuses Washington of colonialism after President Donald Trump said he's shutting down its airspace. The country's on high alert after US attacks on boats nearby and a huge military and naval build-up. Trump says he's fighting drug trafficking. But is that the real reason?  In this episode:  Mark Pfeifle, US Republican Strategist.  Paul Dobson, Independent Journalist.  Christopher Sabatini, Senior Research Fellow, Latin America, Chatham House. Host: Bernard Smith Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

A corruption scandal in Ukraine claims its biggest scalp yet - with the resignation of President Volodomy Zelenskyy's top aide. Andriy Yermak had been due to lead key talks with the U.S. on the war with Russia this weekend. So what does this mean for Ukraine?  In this episode:  Olena Tregub - Secretary General of Ukraine’s Independent Anti-Corruption Commission. Leonid Ragozin - Independent journalist and political analyst, specialist on Ukrainian. Donnacha Ó Beacháin - Professor of Politics at Dublin City University. Host: Bernard Smith Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

France is to bring back a form of military service. That comes weeks after Germany announced plans to assess young people's suitability for military duty.  Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced European states to examine their readiness. So could conscription return? In this episode:  Jacques Reland - Senior Research Fellow in European Affairs, focusing on French politics, European defence and wider EU institutions. Paul Beaver - former soldier and defence analyst with experience assessing trends in European armed forces and recruitment.  Peter Nielsen - former Commander of NATO’s Force Integration Unit in Lithuania Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The military seizes power in Guinea-Bissau - a day before Sunday's presidential election results were due to be announced. The African Union and West African regional bloc Ecowas have condemned the coup. Why has it happened - and what are the implications?  In this episode:  Kabir Adamu - Managing Director of Beacon Security and Intelligence Bram Posthumus - Political and economic analyst specialising in West Africa and the Sahel region Ovigwe Eguegu - Peace and Security Policy Analyst at the consultancy Development Reimagined Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Little sign of peace in Ukraine - but trans-Atlantic diplomatic efforts to end the war are intensifying. Ukraine and its European allies are vying with Russia to sway US President Donald Trump in forging a deal. Can one be reached - or will the war go on?  In this episode:  Chris Weafer, Chief Executive Officer at Macro-Advisory, a strategic consultancy focused on Russia and the Eurasia region. Anatol Lieven - Director of the Eurasia Programme at Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.  Michael Bociurkiw - Senior Fellow at Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center. Host: Imran Khan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Pakistan accused of air strikes killing civilians in Afghanistan. A day earlier, a suicide bomb in Pakistan killed three security personnel. Recent peace efforts and a temporary ceasefire have failed. What's driving the violence and what are the risks?  In this episode:  Obaidullah Baheer, Adjunct Lecturer, American University of Afghanistan. Sahar Khan, Security Analyst, South Asia.  Hameed Hakimi, Associate Fellow, Asia-Pacific Programme, Chatham House. Host: Imran Khan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

An Israeli air strike on Beirut kills Hezbollah's top military commander, its highest-level target during a ceasefire that came into force a year ago. There have been frequent Israeli breaches throughout.  But why this strike now, and what are the implications?  In this episode:  Joe Macaron, Geopolitical analyst specialising in US strategy in the Middle East Nadim Houry, Executive Director of the Arab Reform Initiative   Alon Pinkas, Former Israeli Ambassador and Consul General of Israel in New York Host: Imran Khan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Africa's first ever G20 summit - and the first boycotted by a member, the United States. Its host, South Africa hails it as a success with a declaration agreed across a wide range of issues. But what's next for the G20?  In this episode:  Thembisa Fakude, Director, Africa Asia Dialogues. Richard Weitz, Senior Non-Resident Associate Fellow, NATO Defense College.  Omar Ashour, Professor, Strategic Studies and International Security, Doha Institute.  Host: Imran Khan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Division at the COP30 climate change summit in Brazil - a more difficult message to tell to the world than progress. Scientists, politicians, media and business all have a huge role to play in keeping the public engaged. But are they succeeding?  In this episode:  Professor John Sweeney - one of Ireland's foremost climate scientists and contributor to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change or IPCC’s Nobel Peace Prize. Professor Allam Ahmed - a leading scholar in sustainable development and the knowledge economy. Michael Shank - a climate communication expert and a former Director of Media Strategy at Climate Nexus. Host: Neave Barker Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The Trump administration has crafted a controversial 28-point peace framework with Russia to end the Ukraine war. The plan demands some painful concessions: surrendering the Donbas region and slashing Ukraine's military by half to name just a few. So, is Washington negotiating Ukraine's future to favour Russia - just to promise a lasting peace? In this episode:  Alexander Bratersky - Political analyst and and an independent journalist. Samir Puri - Chatham House's Director for the Global Governance and Security Centre, and author of Russia's Road to War with Ukraine Donald Jensen - Former US diplomat in Moscow and former U.S. staffer on U.S.-Soviet arms-control negotiations. Host: Neave Barker Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Annual military spending is rising globally at its steepest level since the Cold War. And after a break of more than 30 years, the US says it might restart testing nuclear weapons. So if the global arms race is back on - who's winning and what's the true cost of escalation? In this episode:  Michael Boyle - Professor of Political Science at Rutgers University–Camden, and author of The Drone Age. Elijah Magnier - senior political risk analyst, and an regional military expert Fabrice Pothier - former Head of Policy Planning at NATO, as well as a senior defence and strategy analyst. Host: Neave Barker Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The World Food Programme is warning more than 300 million people face critical levels of hunger next year. The United Nations body says that's double the number compared to 2019. What's behind this worsening crisis that's putting so many people in danger?  In this episode:  Jean-Martin Bauer, Director, Food Security and Nutrition Analysis Service, United Nations World Food Programme. Shahin Ashraf, Head, Global Advocacy, Islamic Relief Worldwide. Manenji Mangundu, Oxfam's Country Director, Democratic Republic of Congo. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan wins UN Security Council backing. A mixed reaction from Palestinians: the Palestinian Authority welcomes the resolution, but Hamas rejects it along with plans for an international stabilisation force. So, what's next?  In this episode:  Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow, American University of Beirut. Ahmed Najar, Political Analyst and Writer.  Mehmet Celik, Editorial Co-ordinator, Daily Sabah.  Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been sentenced to death for ordering the crackdown on last year's student-led uprising. 1,400 people were killed. But Hasina is in exile in India. So what are the chances she'll face justice back home? In this episode:  Sohela Nazneen, Professor, International Relations, University of Dhaka. Sreeradha Datta, Professor, OP Jindal Global University.  Taqbir Huda, Human Rights Lawyer and Clarendon Scholar, University of Oxford.  Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

South Africa is investigating how 153 Palestinians from Gaza arrived without proper documentation. It's raised fears: Was the chartered flight organised by Israeli-backed human trafficking networks? And is this part of a wider strategy of ethnic cleansing? In this episode:  Imtiaz Sooliman, Founder and Chairman, Gift of the Givers. Ori Goldberg, Israeli Political Commentator. William Schabas, Professor, International Law, Middlesex University. Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

It's one of the biggest betting scandals in sporting history.Turkish football is facing a gambling crackdown that's seen hundreds of players and officials suspended.It's shone a spotlight on a growing global gambling industry... and how it's affecting players, fans and the game itself. So - is sports betting out of control?  In this episode:  Ali Emre Dedeoglu - a sports commentator. Tancredi Palmeri - International sports analyst. Jamie Allen - a football journalist and writer. Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is confronting his most serious political test since Russia’s invasion. Elected in 2019 on a promise to root out corruption, he now finds himself entangled in a $100 million scandal involving government officials, ministers and businessmen accused of arranging kickbacks through the state nuclear energy company. In a country at war, what does this mean for public morale — and how are Ukraine’s donors in the EU and beyond reacting? In this episode:  Peter Zalmayev, Director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative  Olena Tregub, Secretary General of Ukraine’s Independent Defence Anti-Corruption Commission Ben Aris, Political & Security Analyst for eastern Europe Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Iran's capital is facing its worst drought in recorded history. The President warns the only option may be to evacuate Tehran. Some commentators call that idea 'a joke'. But water cuts have begun - and no rain is expected. How did things get this bad? And how many of the world's cities face a similar fate? In this episode:  Peter Newman - a Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University. Marcus D King - director of the Masters program for Environment and International Affairs at Georgetown University. Allam Ahmad - President of the World Association of Sustainable Development. Host: Bernard Smith Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Ukraine's President says Moscow is testing Europe's red lines. Unidentified drones are being spotted at some of the busiest airports and military sites in the EU. That's as the bloc pours billions of dollars into its defences. So, are Europe and Russia close to a confrontation? And is either side ready for conflict? In this episode:  Stefan Wolff - Professor of International Security at the University of Birmingham. Alexander Bratersky - Independent journalist, and former reporter for the Moscow Times and Defence News. Alexandre Vautravers - Associate Fellow at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

A landmark meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House.The historic sit-down signals a major shift in US-Syria relations. So, how will it shape Trump’s legacy in the Middle East? And what impact could it have on the region? In this episode:  Haid Haid, Senior Non-Resident Fellow, Arab Reform Initiative Robert Ford, Former US Ambassador to Syria.  Rob Geist Pinfold, Lecturer, International Security, King's College London.  Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Leaders are in Brazil for this year’s climate summit to map a path to cutting emissions. But wars in Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine, are unleashing unprecedented levels of greenhouse gases and pollution. So why isn’t the environmental cost of war on the agenda? And is war now one of the biggest threats to the global climate? In this episode:  Kate Mackintosh, Deputy Chair, Independent Expert Panel, Legal Definition of Ecocide. Elaine Donderer, Disaster Risk Specialist.  Farai Maguwu, Director, Centre for Natural Resource Governance.  Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Al-Qaeda-linked fighters have blocked fuel deliveries to Mali’s capital for two months. They want to seize territory and drive out Western influence. But could their ultimate goal be to control the country? And what would that mean for the rest of the Sahel? In this episode:  Moussa Kondo, Executive Director, Sahel Institute. Oluwole Ojewale, Regional Coordinator, West and Central Africa, Institute for Security Studies. Nicolas Normand, Former French Ambassador to Mali, Senegal and Congo Republic/Congo-Brazzaville.  Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The Israeli military is ramping up its attacks on Lebanon, violating a year-long ceasefire. It's carrying out similar breaches in Gaza and occupying Syrian territory. As the disarmament of Hezbollah makes little progress, is Israel inching towards another regional war?  In this episode:  Nabeel Khoury, Senior Non-Resident Fellow, Arab Center Washington DC. Heiko Wimmen, Project Director, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, International Crisis Group. Harlan Ullman, Senior Advisor, Atlantic Council.  Host: Cyril Vanier Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

US President Donald Trump meets with five Central Asian leaders, seeking deals on critical minerals, energy, and trade. But can Washington gain a foothold in a region long dominated by Russia — and where China’s influence is rapidly expanding? In this episode:  Zhumabek Sarabekov, Acting Director at the Institute of World Economics and Politics in Kazakhstan William Courtney, Senior Fellow at the RAND Corporation & former US Ambassador to Kazakhstan Dakota Irvin, Senior Analyst at PRISM Strategic Intelligence Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Long queues at American airports. Thousands of unpaid federal workers surviving on food banks. The longest government shutdown in U.S. history has left millions without essential services. So, can both sides in Congress compromise and reopen the government?  In this episode:  Mark Pfeifle - Republican Strategist and Former White House Deputy National Security Advisor.  Jeremy Mayer - Political Analyst, and Professor of Political Science at George Mason University.  David Bolger - Democratic Strategist and a former Campaign Communications Advisor. Host: Bernard Smith Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Russia and China pledge to strengthen their relations. President Xi Jinping has met the Russian Prime Minister and called for more cooperation, to deal with what he called a 'turbulent external environment'. Can the traditional allies weather the challenges posed by the US and other western nations? In this episode:  Richard Weitz, Senior Non-Resident Associate Fellow, NATO Defense College. Einar Tangen, Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation.  Andrey Kortunov, former Director General, Russian International Affairs Council. Host: Bernard Smith Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Hope for a humanitarian truce in Sudan. The parliamentary Rapid Support Forces and the Army agree in principle with the US plan to stop fighting. But with violence spreading beyond the North Darfur region, can Washington's proposal succeed?  In this episode:  Amjad Farid, Executive Director, Fikra for Studies and Development. Mathilde Vu, Advocacy Manager for Sudan, Norwegian Refugee Council.  Susan Page, Professor, Practice, University of Michigan Law School Ford School of Public Policy.  Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

US president Donald Trump threatens Nigeria with military action claiming Christians are being persecuted. The government and Christian groups in the country deny this saying armed groups have killed people of all faiths. So what's behind Trump's claims? And what's the security situation? In this episode:  Malik Samuel, Senior Researcher, Good Governance Africa in Abuja.   Yinka Adegoke, Africa Editor, Semafor.  James Barnett, Research Fellow, Hudson Institute.  Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

There's no sign of an end to the US government shutdown. 1.4 million workers are going without pay, while some people on federal aid are worrying how they'll get their next meal. How can the stand-off between Republicans and Democrats be resolved and what'll happen if it goes on?  In this episode:  Marena Lin, Co-founder, Project Restore Us. Niall Stanage, White House Columnist. The Hill.  Chris Tilly, Professor, University of California Los Angeles.  Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Tanzania's incumbent President has been declared re-elected with with 98% of the vote - in an election, denounced by the opposition as a sham...The government denies that hundreds of people have been killed in a police crackdown. So, what's behind this crisis - and what's next? In this episode:  Tito Magoti - an independent human rights lawyer and activist who was jailed in Tanzania during former President John Magufuli's leadership.  Nicodemus Minde - a researcher with the East Africa Peace and Security Governance Program at the Institute for Security Studies in Nairobi. Fergus Kell - a Research Fellow with the Africa Programme at Chatham House in London.  Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

China and the US ease their trade war...for now.  Concessions from both, with some of the most painful measures put on hold for a year. So, what tactics did each side use in the battle between the world's two biggest economies? And what's next?  In this episode:  Andy Mok - Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization think tank in Beijing.  Neil Thomas - Fellow on Chinese Politics at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis in Washington DC.  William Lee - Chief Economist at the Milken Institute in Los Angeles Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Reports of massacres by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces in Darfur - after the army was pushed out of the region. Tens of thousands of civilians are now feared trapped in el-Fasher. The conflict in Sudan has caused one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. So, what can be done to stop the bloodshed?  In this episode:  Hamid Khalafallah - Researcher and Policy Analyst who specialises in governance and development in Sudan. Bakry Eljack - Professor of Public Policy at Long Island University Brooklyn and a Sudan analyst. Justin Lynch - Managing Director, Conflict Insights Group, which monitors and analyses the conflict in Sudan.  Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Why is Donald Trump so interested in rare earth minerals? The US President has struck a number of deals in his tour of Asia this week while China keeps a tight grip on the metals. So, what can Trump do to break Beijing's monopoly? And why do rare earths matter so much? In this episode:  Brian Wong, Assistant Professor in Philosophy, University of Hong Kong Gracelin Baskaran, Mining Economist and Director, Critical Minerals Security program at Center for Strategic and International Studies. Huiyao Wang, President and Founder, Center for China and Globalization. Host: Bernard Smith Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Sudan's army says it's pulled out of el-Fasher in the north Darfur region. The area is now said to be under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. So, how significant is this development? Is there a risk Sudan could break up? And who can stop the dire humanitarian crisis there? In this episode:  Caroline Bouvard, Country Director, Sudan Mission of Solidarities International. Alex de Waal, Executive Director, World Peace Foundation. Dallia Abdelmoneim, Political Commentator.  Host: Bernard Smith Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook