The Inside Story Podcast

An EU summit in Brussels calls for a ceasefire in Gaza but not for sanctions against Israel. Germany has led states blocking action throughout the war, while others express anger. So, what's driving the EU's position on Israel and Gaza?   In this episode:  Claudio Francavilla, Associate EU Director, Human Rights Watch. Lynn Boylan, Sinn Féin Member of the European Parliament. Giorgia Gusciglio, Europe Coordinator, Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

A political earthquake say the headlines. A stunning victory. A wake up call for the US Democratic Party. Zohran Mamdani's win in New York City's Mayoral primary has sent the news media into overdrive. But what's behind his win - and how significant is it for US politics?  In this episode:  Linda Sarsour, Palestinian American activist and political strategist  Joi Chaney, Democratic political strategist Omar Rahman, Political analyst and fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Israel's war on Gaza raged on during its recent conflict with Iran which ended with a US brokered ceasefire. Meanwhile, Qatar has announced renewed mediation efforts to end the genocide. So, what are the prospects for peace now?  In this episode:  Xavier Abu Eid, Political Analyst.  Mairav Zonszein, Senior Israeli Analyst, International Crisis Group.  Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow, American University of Beirut.  Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Donald Trump urges Israel and Iran to stick to the agreed ceasefire. The two sides have traded accusations of violations. It comes after Iran targeted a US military base in Qatar. So, will this ceasefire hold? And what does it mean for the wider Middle East? In this episode:  Dania Thafer, Executive Director, Gulf International Forum. Ellie Geranmayeh, Deputy Head, Middle East and North Africa Programme, European Council on Foreign Relations. Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow, Cato Institute.  Host: Imran Khan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The US says it has 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear capabilities. But is that true? Tehran says it removed all nuclear material before the US air strikes. And insists its know-how can't be destroyed. So, is bombing the answer for Iran's nuclear ambitions? In this episode:  Laura Rockwood, Senior Fellow, Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation. Roxane Farmanfarmaian, Director, International Studies and Global Politics, University of Cambridge.  Imad Khadduri, Former Nuclear Scientist, Iraqi Atomic Energy Commission. Host: Imran Khan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Donald Trump says the US bombing attacks he ordered have totally obliterated Iran's key nuclear sites. And he's threatening more strikes if Tehran doesn't return to diplomacy. But what if it decides not to? And what are the risks of a regional spillover?  In this episode:  Zohreh Kharazmi, Assistant Professor, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran. Tariq Rauf, Former Head, Verification and Security Policy Coordination Office, International Atomic Energy Agency. Matthew Bryza, Former National Security Council Official, The White House.  Host: Imran Khan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

What is the cost of the war between Israel and Iran? Continuing strikes from both countries are already draining their economies. And the global economy faces the threat of inflation. So, what could be the outcome of a prolonged conflict? In this episode:  Aly-Khan Satchu, GeoEconomic Analyst and Investor.  Eyal Winter, Professor, Economics, Hebrew University and Lancaster University. Nader Habibi, Professor, Practice in the Economics of the Middle East, Brandeis University.  Host: Neave Barker  Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The German leader and EU commission president were quick to back Israel as the conflict began with Iran. The EU has since called for de-escalation, reflecting growing anxiety over what might happen next. So what's the thinking in European capitals? And how much influence does Europe really have? In this episode:  Pieter Cleppe, Editor-in-Chief, BrusselsReport.eu. Steven Erlanger, Chief Diplomatic Correspondent in Europe, New York Times. Ellie Geranmayeh, Deputy Director of MENA Programme, European Council on Foreign Relations. Host: Neave Barker  Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Israel says ending Iran's nuclear programme is a key aim of its attacks on the country. Israel is widely believed to have nuclear arms - but has never admitted that. So what are the nuclear capabilities of both sides - and the risks from this conflict?  In this episode:  Dan Smith, Director, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute  Sahil Shah, Nuclear weapons policy analyst  Rebecca Johnson, Director at the Acronym Institute for Disarmament Diplomacy  Host: Laura Kyle Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

As Israel attacks Iran, its genocide in Gaza has shown no signs of easing. At least 70 Palestinians were killed in a single day at a food distribution site run by a controversial Israeli-US-backed group in Khan Younis this week. All other aid channels are blocked including medical supplies. So, what's the impact of this latest Israeli strategy?  In this episode:  Amjad Shawa, Director, Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network in Gaza.  Christopher Lockyear, Secretary General, Medecins Sans Frontieres International (Doctors Without Borders).  Mads Gilbert, Medical Doctor with extensive experience in Gaza.  Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The Israel-Iran conflict brings more instability to the Middle East, a region with extensive US interests. They'll be central to shaping president Donald Trump's strategy. So, what's at stake for Washington--and the pros and cons for Trump of further involvement?  In this episode:  Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.  PJ Crowley, Former US Assistant Secretary of State.  Niall Stanage, White House Columnist, The Hill newspaper.  Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

As Israel and Iran continue to attack each other, how do their militaries compare? Israel's air force dominates the skies, while Iran relies heavily on its ballistic missiles and drones. But who will have the upper hand as the war rages on? In this episode:  Mamoun Abu Nowar, Retired Jordanian Airforce General. Marina Miron, Military Analyst and Researcher, War Studies Department, King's College London. Justin Bronk, Senior Research Fellow, Airpower and Technology, Royal United Services Institute. Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Will Russia, Turkey and China provide support to Iran in its conflict with Israel? The three countries have condemned Israel's actions. But is that enough? And what do they all stand to lose if the conflict spirals out of control? In this episode:  Barin Kayaoglu, Chair and Assistant Professor, American Studies, Social Sciences, University of Ankara. Glenn Carle, Career CIA Officer and Deputy National Intelligence Officer, Transnational Threats from the National Intelligence Council. Nikolay Surkov, Assistant Professor, Moscow State Institute of International Relations. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

With its allies significantly weakened, Iran is left to confront Israel on its own. It's launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in retaliatory strikes without its traditional support. With Tehran apparently exposed, what might be the outcome of this conflict? In this episode:  Ronnie Chatah, Political Commentator, Writer and Host, The Beirut Banyan podcast. Setareh Sadeqi, Professor, University of Tehran's Faculty of World Studies. David DesRoches, Professor, National Defense, University and Former Pentagon Director of Arabian Peninsula Affairs. Host: Cyril Vanier Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Israel has attacked Iranian military and nuclear sites, claiming Tehran was close to producing a nuclear weapon. Tehran says it's a declaration of war. So, how far will it go with its response? And what does it all this mean for its nuclear ambitions? In this episode:  Ellie Geranmayeh, Senior policy fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations. Ali Vaez, Director of the Iran Project, International Crisis Group. Samuel Ramani, Defense Analyst, Royal United Services Institute. Host: Cyril Vanier Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Israel's far-right finance minister says he wants to cut off Palestinian banks from the global financial system. The plan's not yet been approved by the Israeli government. But if it does happen, what could be the consequences?  In this episode:  Raja Khalidi, Director General at the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute.  Shahd Hammouri, Lecturer in International Law at the University of Kent.  Mustafa Barghouti, Secretary General at the Palestinian National Initiative. Host: Cyril Vanier Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Renewed violence by armed groups Boko Haram and ISIL has forced thousands of people to leave their homes in Nigeria. Despite repeated government pledges, the military has been unable to end the violence. So why is it continuing and what threats does it pose?  In this episode:  Kabir Adamu, Managing Director, Beacon Security and Intelligence. David Otto, Deputy Director, Counter Terrorism Training, International Academy for the Fight Against Terrorism.  Ovigwe Eguegu, Peace and Security Policy Analyst, Development Reimagined. Host: Elizabeth Puranam Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

National Guard troops and even the Marines are on the streets of Los Angeles - deployed by President Donald Trump after mass protests against his immigration raids. California's governor is suing him while the protests spread to other US cities. So, could this crisis worsen?  In this episode:  Peter Eliasberg, Chief Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California.  Claire Finkelstein, Professor, Law, University of Pennsylvania. Mark Pfeifle, Republican Strategist, Founder and President, Off the Record Strategies.  Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Attacks by both Russia and Ukraine have intensified in recent weeks, with little sign that Europe's largest conflict since World War II is nearing an end. So, what are the strengths and weaknesses of each side and their alliances? And what are the chances of peace?  In this episode:  Peter Zalmayev, Executive Director, Eurasia Democracy Initiative. Alexander Bratersky, Independent journalist and political analyst. Steven Erlanger, Chief Diplomatic Correspondent in Europe, The New York Times.  Host:  Elizabeth Puranam   Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The UK government is planning major defence reforms, at the cost of welfare programmes – drawing public anger. European members of NATO are under pressure to increase their military budgets. But could they defend themselves without U.S. support? In this episode:  Paul Beaver, Defence analyst. Aaron Gasch Burnett, Senior fellow at Democratic Strategy Initiative. Jeremy Corbyn, Independent Member of the UK Parliament.   Host:  Elizabeth Puranam   Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

From mutual admiration to a fierce public blow-up. The short-lived alliance between US president Donald Trump and Elon Musk appears to have come to a dramatic end. The two men have been trading accusations, threats and insults. What's behind the break-up? And why does it matter? In this episode:  Niall Stanage, Political analyst and White House columnist for The Hill. Dan Ives, Technology analyst and Managing Director,  Wedbush Securities. Faiz Siddiqui, Author of 'Hubris Maximus: The Shattering of Elon Musk'. Host:  Elizabeth Puranam   Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Why does Donald Trump seem to be fixated by foreign nationals? He's barred citizens from a number of countries from entering the United States. He says he wants to keep the country safe. But what are the implications of these new measures? And are his concerns justified? In this episode:  Yael Schacher, Director, Refugees International. Steven Heller, US immigration lawyer. Johanna Leblance, US foreign policy specialist. Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

There is outrage over the US vetoing a UN Security Council resolution for Gaza. The resolution calls for a permanent ceasefire and demanded unrestricted aid entry to the Strip. But while Israel is bombing and starving Palestinians, will any UN resolution make a difference? In this episode:  Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics, University of San Francisco. Luigi Daniele, Associate Professor of International Law, Molise University. Firas El Echi, Journalist. Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The Netherlands faces political chaos. Dutch far-right politician Geert Wilders abruptly withdrew his party from the governing coalition setting the stage for snap elections. So, will his bet on a push to toughen immigration policy deliver election victory and secure his ambition of becoming Prime Minister? In this episode:  Henk Van Der Kolk, Professor of Electoral Politics, University of Amsterdam. Zoe Gardner, Independent Researcher.  Pieter Cleppe, Editor-in-Chief, BrusselsReport.eu. Host: Tom McRae Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Bangladeshi prosecutors accuse former leader Sheikh Hasina of crimes against humanity during an uprising last year. But with her in exile in India, what are the chances she'll face justice back home? And why is the future of Bangladesh’s caretaker government looking uncertain? In this episode:  Rumeen Farhana, Assistant Secretary, International Affairs of the Central Executive Committee.  Sreeradha Datta, Professor, O.P. Jindal Global University. Abbas Faiz, Independent South Asia Researcher.  Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Ukraine carries out large-scale drone strikes on multiple Russian airbases and the operation timed just ahead of crucial peace talks. So, does the daring attack give the US leverage against Russia? And is it the right time for more sanctions? In this episode:  Hanna Shelest, Security Studies Program Director, Ukrainian Prism . Pavel Felgenhauer, Independent Defence Analyst. Anatol Lieven, Eurasia Program Director, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The US sends Iran what it calls an 'acceptable' proposal for a nuclear deal after the UN watchdog says Tehran is producing record amounts of near weapons-grade uranium. So, does this mark a turning point? And will diplomacy or military force come next? In this episode:  Hassan Ahmadian, Assistant Professor, University of Tehran.  Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director, International Crisis Group. Sahil Shah, Independent Security Analyst.  Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Has Israel turned Gaza into a starvation camp? The UN says the strip is the hungriest place on Earth. As Israel continues its blockade and bombardment, every single person is at risk of famine. What are the long-term effects on Palestinians' health? In this episode:  Dr Victoria Rose, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, Gaza's Nasser Hospital.  Dr Bara Zuhaili, Vascular Surgeon, volunteered in Gaza twice. Amjad Shawa, Director, Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network. Hasan Khatib, Professor, Genetics and Epigenetics, University of Wisonsin - Madison.  Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Israel is expanding its settlements in the occupied West Bank which, under international law, are illegal. Israel says they're being established with a long-term strategic vision. But, what does that mean for the future of an independent Palestinian state? In this episode:  Xavier Abu Eid, Political Analyst. Ori Goldberg, Israeli author and academic. Salman Shaikh, CEO, The Shaikh Group. Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Donald Trump's administration said it will revoke the visas of Chinese students studying at US universities. US embassies have also been instructed to pause new interviews. So, how much of this is politics? And what fallout could US universities suffer? In this episode:  Clay Harmon, Executive Director, Association of International Enrollment Management.  Alexandra Miller, Immigration Lawyer, Vecina.  Josef Gregory Mahoney, Professor, East China Normal University. Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Chaos at aid distribution sites in southern Gaza. The UN has distanced itself from the operations of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation that's backed by the US and Israel. What’s behind this move to establish a separate aid mechanism? And what needs to change to help desperate Palestinians? In this episode:  Chris Gunness, Former Director of Communications, UNRWA.  Amjad Shawa, Director, Palestinian NGOs Network. Eyal Weizman, Director, Forensic Architecture, Goldsmiths. Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Donald Trump brands Vladimir Putin 'absolutely crazy' after Russia launched its largest aerial attack of the war on Ukraine. The Kremlin is downplaying Trump’s remarks, describing them as 'emotional overload'. So, is the US President emboldening Putin? Or will Trump’s fiery words be put into action with sanctions? In this episode:  Mark Storella, Former US Ambassador.  Alexey Muraviev, Associate Professor, National Security and Strategic Studies, Curtin University. Aaron Gasch Burnett, Senior Fellow, Democratic Strategy Initiative. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Spain hosts European and Arab nations as Israel's aid blockade fuels a famine in Gaza. 'The Madrid Group' is calling for an arms embargo and condemned silence as complicity. So why is Israel facing pressure from some of its allies now? And can it be effective without US support? In this episode:  Lynn Boylan, Member, European Parliament; Chair of the Delegation of Relations with Palestine. Mouin Rabbani, Non-Resident Fellow, Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies. Saul Takahashi, Former Deputy Head of Office, UN Human Rights Agency in Occupied Palestine. Host: Tom McRae Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

260 miners trapped in a South African gold mine have been rescued after more than 24 hours. Countries across Africa are seeing a rise in mine-related accidents, exploitation and environmental damage. So, what lessons are being learned from past tragedies? And are Africans getting a raw deal? In this episode:  Claude Kabemba, Executive Director, Southern Africa Resource Watch. Christopher Vandome, Senior Research Fellow, Chatham House Africa Programme. Maurice Carney, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Friends of the Congo. Host: Tom McRae Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

US President Donald Trump is threatening to impose 50% tariffs on European Union imports starting June 1st. The EU says it stands ready to defend its interests. But is Trump genuinely seeking a deal with the European Union? And is Europe about to pay a high price for not settling with Trump sooner? In this episode:  Paolo Von Schirach, President, Global Policy Institute. Will Hutton, Political Economist.  Brian Wong, Fellow, Centre on Contemporary China and the World.  Host: Tom McRae Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Israel was quick to label the killing of two of its embassy staff in Washington DC this week as antisemitic. Other officials in the West have followed suit. But as its war in Gaza expands, does criticising Israel amount to antisemitism? And does this narrative serve any purpose? In this episode:  Phyllis Bennis, International Adviser at Jewish Voice for Peace. Saba-Nur Cheema, Political Scientist at Goethe University Frankfurt. Gideon Levy, Columnist at Haaretz Newspaper. Host: Tom McRae Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Will a Golden Dome protect America? It's an ambitious and unprecedented defence project that president Donald Trump says will shield the country from advanced missile threats, including those launched from space. But could it also trigger a new global arms race? In this episode:  Micheal O'Hanlon, Senior Fellow, Brookings Institution. Youngshik Bong, Research Fellow, Yonsei University Institute for North Korean Studies. Zaid Belbagi, Post-Doctoral Researcher, King's College London. Host: Elizabeth Puranam Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Traditional allies are putting pressure on Israel. The UK has paused trade talks and sanctioned West Bank settlers. And the EU is threatening to review its entire relationship with Israel. Is this a turning point in international policy? And will it make any difference for Palestinians?  In this episode:  James Moran, Former EU Ambassador to Egypt and Jordan. Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow, Chatham House. Zaid Belbagi, Managing Partner, Hardcastle Advisory.  Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

As Israel expands its war on Gaza, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are again forced from their homes. Israel's prime minister has vowed to seize all of the strip. So as its humanitarian crisis worsens, who can stop Benjamin Netanyahu's plans? In this episode:  Afif Safieh, Former Palestinian Diplomat.  Lex Takkenberg, Senior Adviser, Question of Palestine Program, Arab Renaissance For Democracy and Development. Meron Rapoport, Editor, Local Call. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Europe's Super-Sunday elections see a pro-EU candidate defeat a hard-right rival in Romania, a centrist win in the first round of Poland's presidential election, and a victory for the incumbent government in Portugal. So can Brussels breathe a sigh of relief? Or is the far-right still rising as a political force? In this episode:  Pieter Cleppe, Editor-in-Chief, BrusselsReport.eu. Piotr Buras, Head, European Council on Foreign Relations' Warsaw office. Antonio Costa Pinto, Professor, Political Science, University of Lisbon. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Global hunger has hit a new high. The United Nations says nearly 300 million people faced acute hunger last year. And the outlook for 2025 is bleak due to wars and cuts in aid. So which countries are experiencing the worst of the global food crisis? And who are the most vulnerable? In this episode:  Chris Gunness, Former Director, Communications, United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine and the Near East. Elise Nalbandian, Regional Advocacy and Campaign Manager, Oxfam, Africa. Sara Hayat - Specialist in Climate Change Law and Policy. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

A Russian drone strike hit Ukraine's Sumy region just hours after the first direct talks in three years. The warring sides agreed to a prisoners exchange in those talks. But will it lead to a lasting ceasefire? And can the two sides narrow the gap between them? In this episode:  Peter Zalmayev, Executive Director, Eurasia Democracy Initiative. Pavel Felgenhauer, Independent Defense and Russian Foreign Policy Analyst. Anatol Lieven, Director, Eurasia Program, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Trillions of dollars were pledged during the US president’s three-nation tour of the Gulf this week. So, are the Gulf nations now in sync with Washington on some of the biggest challenges in the region? And is Donald Trump re-shaping the Middle East, or will the Gulf states dictate future US foreign policy? In this episode:  Giorgio Cafiero, CEO at Gulf State Analytics. Hassan Barari, Professor of International Affairs at Qatar University. Alon Pinkas, Former Ambassador and Consul General of Israel in New York. Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

US President Donald Trump has signed record-breaking agreements during his state visit to Qatar. It's part of a three-nation tour of the region. A trip that's expected to fetch America billions in new investments. But what do the Gulf states gain from this trip?  In this episode:  Faisal Al Mudahka, Editor In Chief, The Gulf Times Andreas Krieg, Senior Lecturer, King’s College London's School of Security Studies Paul Musgrave, Associate Professor of Government, Georgetown University Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Celebrations in Syria after the US president announced that he's lifting decades of sanctions. Donald Trump says his decision will give the nation a chance at greatness after years of civil war. So, can Syria's new leadership deliver on the hopes of the people and rebuild the country? In this episode:  Sinan Hatahet, Non-Resident Fellow, Atlantic Council's Syria Project.  Joshua Landis, Director, Center for Middle East Studies, University of Oklahoma.  Omar Alshogre, Director, Detainee Affairs, Syrian Emergency Task Force.  Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

A ceasefire between the two main rivals of a global trade war. The US and China have struck a complicated deal to de-escalate a soaring tariff face off that had nations on the edge. So will the agreement reverse fears of a global recession? And can it revive world business sentiment? In this episode:  William Lee, Chief Economist, Milken Institute.  Huiyao Wang, Founder, Center for China and Globalization.  Jayant Menon, Former Lead Economist, Asian Development Bank.  Host: Elizabeth Puranam Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

A twist in efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Russia's President pitches direct talks with Ukraine. That's after Kyiv's EU allies propose a 30-day ceasefire. Donald Trump backs Vladimir Putin's plan for talks first and negotiations later. So can this meeting in Istanbul stop the fighting?  In this episode:  Olesia Horiainova, Co-founder, Ukrainian Security and Cooperation Centre. Vasily Kashin, Expert, Russian International Affairs Council. Barin Kayaoglu, Assistant Professor and Chair of American Studies, Social Sciences, University of Ankara. Host: Cyril Vanier Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The guns have gone silent along the India-Pakistan line of control. After the most intense exchanges in decades between the nuclear-armed neighbours, a ceasefire is in place. But will it hold? And what lessons can be learned from this conflict? In this episode:  Walter Ladwig, Senior Lecturer, International Relations, King’s College, London. Elijah Magnier, Military and Political Analyst.  Shashank Joshi, Defence Editor, The Economist. Host: Cyril Vanier Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

A ceasefire has been announced to stop a bitter conflict over one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Kashmir has repeatedly been troubled by a dispute dating back nearly eight decades between India and Pakistan. Will the latest truce resolve differences going back to colonial times?  In this episode:  Victoria Schofield, British Biographer and Historian.  Radha Kumar, Negotiator, Kashmir Crisis. Ayesha Jalal, Professor, Tufts University.  Host: Sami Zeidan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

A new Pope has been elected, the first from the US to lead the Catholic Church. It's church that's divided between progressives and traditionalists, and in a world polarised by conflict and widening political division. So, what role might Pope Leo XIV play within his church and on the world political stage? In this episode:  Stan Chu Ilo, Research Professor of World Catholicism at DePaul University  Joanne Pierce, Professor Emerita at the Department of Religious Studies at College of the Holy Cross Neil Thorns, Director of Advocacy and Communications at CAFOD, Catholic Agency for Overseas Development Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook