The Irish Times World View Podcast

Historian Timothy Garton Ash has called Brexit the “upending of politics and middle-class assumptions in both the developed and the developing worlds". On World View Patrick Smyth and a panel discuss the significance of Brexit in historical terms, Britain's relationship with Europe, and some of the practical implications for Britian, Europe and Ireland. On the panel are Denis Staunton, Suzanne Lynch, Paul Gillespie and Ruadhán Mac Cormaic.

Irish Times correspondents Denis Staunton, Suzanne Lynch and Amanda Ferguson report from London, Brussels and Belfast on Britain's vote to leave the European Union that has shocked the world this morning.

Part 1: With the vote for Britain's membership of EU imminent Paddy Smyth speaks with our London Editor Denis Staunton about the reaction from both sides to the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox, Cameron's middle England appeal and what next for the PM should the Leave vote prevail. Part 2: Kevin Cullen of the Boston Globe joins us on the line to talk about the mood of the presidential campaign in the wake of the Orlando killings, Trump's unique ability to campaign on a shoestring and whether divisions in the Democratic voter base will cost them dear. Part 3: With oil prices dropping, panic has begun to grip Venezuela with food in scarce supply. Our South American correspondent Tom Hennigan discusses the huge problems facing Maduro's regime at the end of the oil boom with looting and food riots now becoming a daily occurrence.

The vote that may profoundly change Europe is one week away, and on this special edition of World View we look at the campaign, the polls and the voters. In London Denis Staunton reports on how discredited UK pollsters are trying to up their game ahead of next Thursday's vote. Newton Emerson says this is a political event without precedent in Northern Ireland - a non-sectarian, ideological question. How will it work in a country where people are "born into their political views"? And Suzanne Lynch is travelling around England, meeting with voters and taking the temperature of constituencies from urban Muslims to rural farmers. She has found a well-informed, but utterly divided nation.

Part One: Simon Carswell updates us on the Clinton and Trump campaigns. Clinton is upping her game, while Trump is... still Trump. Part Two (15.30): Leave is ahead in some polls and Brexit is beginning to look less unlikely. How are the Brexiteers doing it? Denis Staunton reports. Part Three (23.50): Micheal Jansen explains the ancient sectarian divides that feed into the ongoing struggle for regional dominance between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Will strikes in France scupper the travel plans of millions headed for the Euro 2016? The strikes are intensifying at the worst possible time, but there is cause for optimism, reports Lara Marlowe. To explain how Trump has gone from no-hope candidate to nominee, and what the divisive billionaire needs to do in the next phase of the race, Irish Times columnist Fintan O'Toole, fresh from a three month residency in Boston, is in studio. And from Hong Kong our China Correspondent Clifford Coonan describes the sensitive reaction there to global criticism of a racist advertisement broadcast that went viral last week.

On this week's World View podcast Mark Weiss reports from Jerusalem where the appointment of a controversial politician as defence minister marks a shift to the right for Benyamin Netanyahu against a background of increasing tensions between the government and the army. Vienna-based journalist Eric Frey is on the line from Austria, where the narrowest of defeats for Norbert Hofer in the presidential election may only be a bump in the road for far-right Freedom Party of Austria's goal of winning power. And Beijing-based journalist Didi Kirsten Tatlow has been writing about the legacy of Mao's Cultural Revolution, which led to the deaths of millions of Chinese 50 years ago.

Back in April Berlin Correspondent Derek Scally reported on Austrian far-right presidential candidate Norbert Hofer, his policies and his party, the Freedom Party of Austria, (FPÖ) after Mr Hofer won the first round of voting on April 24th, 2016.

Part One: As the UK debates leaving the EU, other member states marked Europe Day by pressing the case for a future of further integration. Suzanne Lynch reports. Part Two: (13:30) Amidst accusations of malfeasance, Brazil's Congress voted to impeach the president Dilma Rousseff. But what of the Congress itself? Its 594 members, including suspected violent criminals and a clown named Grumpy, are grouped into 28 different political parties, often for the sake of convenience over any ideological attachment. It's a setup that makes for a deeply corrupt and dysfunctional governance. Tom Hennigan reports from Sao Paolo. Part Three: (38:20)On Monday president-elect of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte announced he would reintroduce hanging for capital offences and bring communist guerrillas into his cabinet, conjuring up memories of previous strongman Ferdinand Marcos. Former Irish Times journalist David Shanks recalls the Marcos' regime.

In France extremist fighters, imprisoned on their return from Syria, are being sent to 'deradicalisation centres' to bring them back into the fold of French society. How does it work? Doesn't it sound a bit like "A Clockwork Orange'? Lara Marlowe reports on that story from Paris, and also on the unpopular, teetering government of Francoise Hollande. In Turkey President Recep Erdgoan has sacked his Prime Minister in a move seen as a consolidation of his increasingly authoritarian control. Stephen Starr reports from Istanbul. And Derek Scally is in Poland where a constitutional crisis rumbles on over moves by the authoritarian right-wing Law & Justice party to appoint justices to the Constitutional Court.

The row about anti-Semitism in the British Labour Party has become an exercise in name-calling, but behind the politics lies a thorny issue for public discourse in Europe and the Middle East. How are anti-Semitism and and anti-Zionism defined, and where do they overlap? Where is the line between legitimate criticism and abuse? To discuss, London Editor Denis Staunton, journalist and campaigner with Gaza Action Ireland Harry Browne and Yanky Fachler of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland are in studio.

Part One: Donald Trump has appointed a new campaign manager. Is he about to introduce a more measured, muted Trump? Is such a thing possible? He might moderate his positions but the evidence suggests insults will continue to fly, says Simon Carswell. Part Two: Austria has moved one step closer to electing a far-right president after first round voters across the country picked Austrian Freedom Party's Norbert Hofer. But unlike when Jorg Haider's inclusion in Austria's government shocked her neighbours in 2000, no-one is very surprised - a sign of the times in Europe. Derek Scally is on the line from Berlin. Part Three: Patrick Smyth visited the observation platforms, secret tunnels and tourist shops of Korea's Demilitarized Zone last week. World View presents his report on conditions at the narrow strip of land separating North and South - and its unexpected Irish connection.

The vote to impeach Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff has left the country in crisis. Rouseff's supporters are calling it a coup, albeit one within the confines of the constitution. Where do Rousseff and Brazil go from here? (12.15)Bernie Sanders may be beloved by youthful Democrats, but it is likely that the New York primary will end his run of victories and consolidate Hillary Clinton's grip on the nomination, reports Simon Carswell. (21.30) And in Syria, The Commission for International Justice and Accountability was established in 2012 to establish links between the top brass in Bashar al-Assad's regime and the detention, torture and murder of suspected opponents, through the collection of the regime's own internal documents. New Yorker journalist Ben Taub, who broke the story, explains how the documents have shed light on shocking atrocities and Assad's own role in the murder of hundreds of thousands of his citizens.

The podcast that brings you news from The Irish Times' global network of correspondents. Part one: Damian Mac Con Uladh in Greece and Suzanne Lynch in Strasbourg on the EU-Ankara deal to return migrants from Greece to Turkey. Part two: Denis Staunton on David Cameron's handling of the Panama Papers leak that linked his family to offshore wealth, and what effect it might have on his efforts to lead the Remain campaign. Part three: with one crisis after another besetting the European Union, Professor Ulrik Guerot of the European Democracy Lab think tank believes that more unification is the answer, not less. Derek Scally interviews her in Berlin.

The Panama Papers have revealed how close some global leaders are to a vast network of offshore wealth, insulated from prying eyes and domestic taxes by the now-famous law firm Mossack Fonseca. Dan McLaughlin and Clifford Coonan report on what the leaked documents reveal about Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping, and the attempts to deflect criticism by pointing the finger at a Western conspiracy. Meanwhile South African president Jacob Zuma faces an impeachment vote over his failure to repay state money spent on his private residence. The scandal is arguably the biggest yet to hit the president, who has fended off accusations of corruption, influence peddling and even rape since before he took office in 2009. Bill Corcoran reports from Cape Town.

In part one of this edition of World View Tom Wright joins us on the line from Washington to discuss Donald Trump's long held views on foreign policy and how his "America first" approach could prove dangerous and destabilizing should he become president. Holy but imperfect, in part two Paddy Smyth is joined in studio by Religious Affairs correspondent Patsy McGarry to talk about Mother Teresa's imminent canonization.

European Correspondent Suzanne Lynch speaks to us amid the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on Brussels. Our man in Havana Simon Carswell is on the line to discuss President Barack Obama's groundbreaking visit to Cuba. Tom Hennigan reports from Brazil where ex-President Lula is under investigation for corruption and the implications that could have for current president Dilma Rousseff.

In part one David McNeill talks about how Japan are marking the five year anniversary of the devastating tsunami and the costly recovery from the resulting nuclear disaster. In part two Derek Scally looks at the upsurge in support for the right wing AfD party following the German state elections and whether this should be a cause for concern for Angela Merkel. And in part three: who knows the true identity of Booker-nominated novelist Elena Ferrante? Rosie Scammell is on the line from Rome to discuss the mystery of the Italian novelist.

In part one Suzanne Lynch sheds some light on a new deal the E.U. has brokered with Turkey in an effort to ease the migrant crisis gripping the Eastern Mediterranean. In part two Dan McLaughlin reports on the troubling rise of the far right in Slovakia where an unapologetically Nazi party has won eight seats in parliament. And in part three Beijing correspondent Clifford Coonan reports on China's recent decision to heavily censor all television content.

In part one Simon Carswell reports on the victories for Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in the Super Tuesday primaries that leave the two with considerable - but not insurmountable - leads for the nominations of their respective parties. In part two Guy Hedgecoe reports from Madrid on the ongoing struggle of the four main parties there to form a government four months after an election - a difficulty that will resonate in Ireland, where an inconclusive election result has just been delivered by voters tired of years of austerity. And in part three London Editor Denis Staunton and Paul Gillespie discuss the many understandings of British and Scottish identity and and how they may play a large role in what decision is taken on Brexit in June.

Dan McLaughlin reports from the Greek-Macedonian border on the unhappy situation there for many migrants who are being refused entry to Macedonia. Gerry Moriarty explains attitudes to Brexit in Northern Ireland, where support and opposition for remaining in the EU is complicated by the region's relationship with the Republic. And Davin O'Dwyer explains why Apple is resisting a bid by the US Federal Government to force it to hack into a terrorist's iPhone. What are the stakes for global privacy?

Can David Cameron convince the rest of Europe to accept the deal with which he wants to fight Brexit? An EU summit on Thursday will decide whether he can start the domestic campaign against an exit vote in earnest. Suzanne Lynch and Denis Staunton explain what is at stake. The death of US Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia has focused the minds of Democrats and Republicans on the importance of controlling the court, and by extension of winning the White House. Ruadhan Mac Cormaic and Simon Carswell discuss the situation, and how the Supreme Court of Ireland differs.

The Syrian rebel stronghold of Aleppo is almost encircled now by Bashar al-Assad's forces. Foreign Affairs Correspondent Ruadhán Mac Cormaic details how the tide has turned against the rebels and the major role played by Russia. In part two, Paris Correspondent Lara Marlowe explains why the French are up in arms about changes to their spelling. Plus: Bernie Sanders is the best known American socialist, but he's not the only one. Seattle city council member Kshama Sawant was in Dublin last week and spoke with Paddy about life on the left in the U.S.A. and why Bernie is wrong to run as a Democrat.

Washington Correspondent Simon Carswell reports from Iowa where Democratic and Republican caucuses have produced a number of suprising results. Cruz managed to beat Trump but the big winner of the night was Marco Rubio who cemented his position as the establishment candidiate. London Editor Denis Staunton has read the draft deal on Brexit and outlines the main points. And Danish Radio EU Correspondent Ole Ryborg discusses the hardline attitude towards migrants in Denmark and what real motives lie behind them.

From Rome Paddy Agnew reports on a bill to introduce civil unions recognising same sex relationships to Italy. The Pope has intervened in the debate, but how much sway does the Catholic Church still hold? Is time up for Venezuela's socialist revolution? The fall in oil prices has caused spiraling debt and hyper-inflation in a country already weakened by decades of populist Chavismo governance, says Tom Hennigan. Whats's in a name? Michael Jansen sheds further light on the dispute over the naming of a body of water and the long history of tension between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The wealthiest 62 individuals now have as much wealth as half of the rest of us - 3.6 billion people. That's according to an Oxfam report on inequality released this week. Jim Clarken of Oxfam Ireland and Foriegn Affairs Correspondent Ruadhan Mac Cormaic discuss the implications of this striking inequality and whether it is responsible for poverty. In part two Washington Correspondent Simon Carswell looks at Senator Bernie Sanders' uptick in the polls. Can he really challenge Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination?

Derek Scally discusses the political and social fallout from the robberies and sexual assaults of women in Cologne and Hamburg on New Years Eve. Tsafrir Cohen of the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation gives his view on the controversy over a novel about a romantic relationship between a Palestinian man and a Jewish woman, which has shot to the top of Israel’s best-seller list after the education ministry banned it from high-school curriculums, saying it encouraged assimilation. And Clifford Coonan, en route to Taipei from his base in Beijing, reports on the upcoming election in Taiwan which comes at a sensitive time for the island nation's relationship with China.

In part one Middle East Analyst Michael Jansen explains the complex background to the escalating tensions between Iran and Saudi Arabia over the latter's execution last week of a prominent Shia cleric. In part two David McNeill is on the line from Tokyo to report on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe's apology to Korea for the sexual enslavement of Korean women by members of the Japanese military during the Second World War.

2015 was a tumultuous one in world affairs as leaders struggled to cope with a range of problems, from political unrest and economic instability to global warming and the rise of violent extremism. Foreign Policy Editor Patrick Smyth asked our correspondents to reflect on a few of the individuals who played key roles in major events for a special episode of World View.

The Greek economy and the refugee crisis presented the EU with two unprecedented challenges in 2015. European Correspondent Suzanne Lynch and Dr Paul Gillespie join Paddy Smyth to look back at a most difficult year for the European institutions. They also discuss what Brexit would mean for the EU. In part two: a landslide in China that left 85 people missing is just the latest environmental catastrophe there that can be traced back to human negligence. Beijing Correspondent Clifford Coonan makes a rare appearance in The Irish Times studio to report on the major environmental problems China faces, particularly in his home city.

Guy Hedgecoe reports from Madrid on the forthcoming general election in Spain, where Mariano Rajoy's centre-right party looks likely to outpoll its three rivals but may be forced into coalition with one of them. In part two Washington Correspondent Simon Carswell profiles Texas Senator Ted Cruz, "further right than Trump", who is polling ahead of his erstwhile campaign trail buddy in the critical Iowa primary.

This week's podcast looks at the rise of far-right, anti-migration politics in Europe. From Paris Lara Marlowe reports on the success of Marine Le Pen's anti-migrant, anti-Islam National Front party in regional elections, the normalisation of far-right politics in France and the crumbling alliance of traditional parties to keep Le Pen from power. From Stockholm Derek Scally reports on Sweden Democrats, a party with neo-Nazi roots who are appealing to voters concerned with the influx of migrants, and the far-right Danish People's Party.

In this 100th episode of World View Paddy Smyth talks to Frank McDonald in Paris and Harry McGee in Dublin about Cop 21 and Ireland's part in it. Later in the podcast he talks to Tom Hennigan in Brazil about the latest corruption scandal there. World View is a weekly foreign affairs podcast. It is presented by Paddy Smyth and produced by Sinead O'Shea.

In this week's World View podcast Paddy Smyth discusses the rise of Europe's young jihadists with Middle East analyst Michael Jansen, Denis Staunton in London and Suzanne Lynch in Brussels. Later in the podcast he chats to Paddy Agnew in Rome about the start of the Vatican leaks trial and the Pope's upcoming trip to Africa.

In this week's World View Paddy Smyth explores the aftermath of the Paris attacks with Lara Marlowe, Vincent Durac and Paul Gillespie. Later in the podcast Paddy speaks to Suzanne Lynch in Brussels to hear more about the latest news on the attacks from there. World View is a weekly foreign affairs podcast. It is presented by Paddy Smyth and produced by Sinead O'Shea.

In this special edition of World View Paddy Smyth hears from Ruadhan MacCormaic and Lara Marlowe in Paris, Suzanne Lynch from Brussels, and Denis Staunton from London. Together they discuss what is known about these attacks, and their likely implications. World View is a weekly foreign affairs podcast. It is presented by Paddy Smyth and produced by Sinead O'Shea.

In this week's World View podcast Patrick Smyth discusses the aftermath of the Burmese elections with Ruadhan Mac Cormaic. Later in the podcast he is joined by Dan McLaughlin to hear about the Bucharest nightclub fire which has so far resulted in 46 deaths. The tragedy has led to mass protests and the resignation of the Prime Minister and his Cabinet. World View is a weekly foreign affairs podcast. It is produced by Sinead O'Shea and presented by Patrick Smyth.

This week Paddy is joined from Beijing by Clifford Coonan who reports on the lifting of China's one-child policy and whether it will be enough to kickstart population growth in the greying country. The also look at phenomena from forced abortions to "Little Emperors" that have arisen from the decades-old restriction. In part two (8.39) Washington Correspondent Simon Carswell looks at the increasingly competitive race for the Republican nomination, in which non-politician Ben Carson has seemingly overtaken non-politician Donald Trump. Meanwhile a little further down the poll, there's a battle taking place between slumping Jeb Bush and ascendent Marco Rubio. Who is Rubio, and can he win?

In this episode of World View Patrick Smyth discusses the momentum of the Brexit referendum campaign with Denis Staunton and Paul Gillespie. In the second half of the podcast Derek Scally presents an audio column from Warsaw in the aftermath of the Polish elections which he describes as the replacement of one right leaning government for another. World View is a weekly foreign affairs podcast. It is produced by Sinead O'Shea and presented by Patrick Smyth.

In this edition of World View Patrick Smyth discusses the prospects for COP21 and France's determination to lead the charge against global warming with Harry McGee and Diarmuid Torney, author of European Climate Leadership in Question: Policies toward China and India. They also evaluate Ireland's role in this issue. Later in the podcast Patrick is joined by Lara Marlowe in France and they consider the recent decision there by some councils to remove a non pork option from school menus for Muslim children. World View is a weekly foreign affairs podcast. It is presented by Patrick Smyth and produced by Sinead O'Shea.

In this week's World View Paddy Smyth hears about life for Syrian refugees in Jordan with Ruadhan MacCormaic following his visit there last week. They also discuss Jordan's approach to the refugee crisis and its standing within the international community. In the second half of the podcast Paddy Smyth analyses the aftermath of the bombing in Ankara which is now believed to have been the work of Islamic State. He is joined by Stephen Starr in Turkey, Suzanne Lynch in Brussels and Ruadhan MacCormaic in Dublin. World View is a weekly foreign affairs. It is produced by Sinead O'Shea and presented by Paddy Smyth.

In this week's World View podcast Foreign Policy Editor Patrick Smyth takes over presenting duties from Denis Staunton. He begins with an essay by Derek Scally on the twin crises besetting Germany as it celebrates twenty five years of reunification. Later in the podcast he is joined by Simon Carswell to discuss the latest shooting atrocities in the U.S. and their possible impact on the presidential elections. Finally Paddy hears from Patsy McGarry in Rome on the opening of the Vatican's Synod of the Family. World View is a weekly foreign affairs podcast. It is presented by Patrick Smyth and produced by Sinead O'Shea.

In this week's World View Denis Staunton discusses the shift in U.S. policy towards Syria with Paddy Smyth, Michael Jansen and Isabel Gorst in Moscow. In the second part of the podcast Denis and Paddy analyse the victory of pro-independence parties in Catalonia's unofficial referendum last weekend. They are joined by Guy Hedgecoe in Madrid. World View is a weekly foreign affairs podcast. It is produced by Sinead O'Shea and presented by Denis Staunton.

In this week's World View Denis Staunton discusses the victory of Tspiras and Syriza in the Greek elections with Damian Mac Con Uladh in Athens and Paddy Smyth in Dublin. Later in the podcast Denis and Paddy hear about the migrant crisis in Croatia with Dan McLaughlin in Vukovar. Inside Politics is a weekly foreign affairs podcast. It is produced by Sinead O'Shea and presented by Denis Staunton.

In this week's World View podcast Denis Staunton discusses the election of Jeremey Corbyn and what it means for the UK, EU and Scotland. He is joined by Alex Massie and Paull Gillespie. In the second half of the podcast analyses the latest developments in the EU migrant crisis which this week looks to have lost pace. Paul Gillespie remains in studio and Suzanne Lynch participates also from Brussels. World View is a weekly foreign affairs podcast. It is produced by Sinead O'Shea and presented by Denis Staunton.

In this week's edition of World View Sinead O'Shea discusses the EU proposal to accept more refugees with Suzanne Lynch in Strasberg. Denis Staunton talks about China's military might with Clifford Coonan in Bejing. World View is a weekly foreign affairs podcast.

Dan McLaughlin reports from the Hungarian-Serbian border, the crossing point for thousands of refugees fleeing Africa and the Middle East in the hope of reaching the EU. He explains the political significance of Hungary's razor-wire fence, the closing of Budapest's main train station to those lacking travel visas, and how the EU's unwelcoming stance is bewildering to refugees looking for a way through.

In this week's World View podcast Denis Staunton discusses the progress of the U.S Presidency race with Foreign Policy Editor Patricky Smyth and U.S. correspondent Simon Carswell. World View is a weekly foreign affairs podcast. It is produced by Sinead O'Shea and presented by Denis Staunton.

This week's podcast discuses the explosion in Tianjin, China and its broader implications for the Chinese economy. Denis Staunton is joined by Bejing correspondent Clifford Coonan. World View is a weekly foreign affairs podcast. It is produced by Sinead O'Shea and presented by Denis Staunton.

The presidential race in Argentina is hotting up, with a first-round result giving hope to opponents of the ruling Victory Party and a drug scandal involving one of its members threatening to tarnish its candidate Daniel Scioli and outgoing President Cristina Kirchner. Tom Hennigan reports from São Paulo. In Yemen, conflict between the Hadi government and Houthi rebels continues. Saudi Arabia, leading a US-backed Arab coalition, is supporting Hadi's military with an aerial bombing campaign that has killed and wounded thousands of civilians. Dr Natalie Roberts, Emergency Coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières in Yemen explains the challenges MSF faces there. World View is a weekly podcast presented by Denis Staunton. This week's episode is produced by Declan Conlon. Sinead O'Shea is on leave.