On the week that Queen Elizabeth II is celebrating 70 years on the throne, The New Arab Voice is looking at monarchies in the Middle East and North Africa.

Of the ten surviving ruling monarchies that exist around the world, eight of them can be found in the Middle East and North Africa. While some have the vestiges of democratic institutions, they all have a monarch at the top who wields immense power and influence.

On this week's episode, we examine the characteristics of an Arab monarchy, what strategies do they employ to justify and continue their rule, how have they remained in power for so long, and what does the future hold for them?

We speak with Sean Yom (@YomSean), associate professor in political science at Temple University in Philadelphia and a senior fellow at the Project on Middle East Democracy in Washington.

And then, we go back to Calais with Lyse Mauvais (@lyse_mauvais) for the second part of her special report from the French coast.

This week, Lyse speaks with the people behind the Calais Border Broadcast (CBB).

The CBB is a community radio station, run by and for migrants living in northern France. It provides advice and comfort to those who are hoping to secure safety and stability.

This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge). Theme music by Omar al-Fil (@elepheel).

Other music by Blue Dot Sessions.

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TheNewArabVoice or email hugo.goodridge@alaraby.co.uk

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