Yossi Mekelberg

Join Yossi Mekelberg, an insightful political commentator, and Vincent McAviney, a keen political analyst, as they unpack this week's major stories. They dive into the diplomatic tensions highlighted at the Munich Security Conference, especially regarding Ukraine and transatlantic relations. Istanbul correspondent Hannah Lucinda Smith shares updates on Turkey's political turmoil and recent earthquakes. The conversation also touches on the Israel-Gaza ceasefire complexities and the ethical dilemmas of resume embellishment in today’s job market.

Former UN Advisor, Palestinian National Initiative Secretary, and Chatham House Fellow discuss the implications of Palestine's UN membership bid amid US opposition. Topics include global support, hurdles in the Security Council, challenges in recognizing statehood, and Palestinian readiness for autonomy.

Latika Bourke, a journalist and geopolitics expert, shares critical insights on the fragile Gaza ceasefire and the political implications for both Israeli and Palestinian societies. Yossi Mekelberg, a senior fellow at Chatham House, discusses the resignation of Israel's security minister amidst rising tensions. Gorana Grgić provides a preview of the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, highlighting concerns over global economic growth amid fragmentation. The conversation also touches on the intersection of art and technology, showcasing the 'Glacier Dreams' exhibition in Zurich.

Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s outgoing foreign minister, shares insights on the geopolitical landscape of 2025. Yossi Mekelberg, a Senior Fellow at Chatham House, analyzes the intricacies of Middle Eastern conflicts. Latika Bourke from The Nightly adds depth on global political trends. They discuss the implications of a new U.S. president, the challenges posed by China’s influence in Ukraine, and the need for stronger European unity. The conversation also touches on the complexities in the Middle East and optimistic hopes for political stability.

Yossi Mekelberg, an expert in international relations, and Stephen Dalziel, a commentator on European politics, join reporter Hannah Lucinda Smith, who offers insights from the heart of Istanbul. They discuss the explosive protests in Turkey sparked by a provocative cartoon, highlighting the tension between free speech and religious sentiments. The conversation also touches on global issues, from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to the implications for Turkish politics, including government crackdowns on dissent.

In this discussion, Christopher Lord, the U.S. editor for Monocle, joins Middle Eastern analysts Julie Norman and Yossi Mekelberg, along with former negotiator Aaron David Miller. They analyze the shifting U.S.-Israel relationship amid the ongoing Gaza conflict and how a change in Democratic leadership could affect foreign policy. The conversation touches on the Democratic National Convention's stance on Israel and Palestine, the impact of domestic protests on U.S. policy, and the complexities of achieving lasting peace in the region.

Yossi Mekelberg, a Senior Consulting Fellow at Chatham House, and political journalist Terry Stiastny delve into the precarious situation in Gaza. They discuss the nuances of the reported ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and the Trump administration's role as a guarantor. Their conversation highlights the complexity of international relations and the ongoing challenges for regional stability. Along the way, they also touch on the transformative nature of artificial intelligence and its implications for modern conflict and communication.

Yossi Mekelberg, a senior fellow at Chatham House specializing in conflict, and political reporter Nadine Batchelor-Hunt dive into the Vatican conclave's role in global affairs. They discuss how the church might act as a peacemaker in conflicts that seem endless and explore the challenges it faces with modern social issues. They also critique media attention disparities in global crises, contrasting the spotlight on Ukraine with the overlooked plight in Sudan, highlighting the complexities of public perception in today's world.

Joining the discussion are Giorgia Scaturro, a London-based Italian reporter known for her insights into Italian politics, and Yossi Mekelberg, a Middle Eastern affairs expert from Chatham House. They dive into the complexities of the Ukraine-Russia ceasefire negotiations taking place in Riyadh. The conversation also tackles Netanyahu’s controversial military actions in Gaza and Italy's technological tensions with Elon Musk. Adding a touch of humor, they touch on a quirky debate about pint definitions in Paris, highlighting consumer transparency.

Latika Bourke, a writer-at-large for The Nightly, joins political risk analyst Charles Hecker and Middle East expert Yossi Mekelberg to unpack the tumultuous landscape of 2024. They discuss how rising voter dissatisfaction is reshaping democracy, spotlighting movements in Ukraine and Myanmar. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its ripple effects on global politics are explored, alongside the complexities surrounding U.S.-Israeli relations. The trio reflects on the heroes and villains of the year, showcasing the stark contrasts in global leadership during crises.