CONFLICTED

Tom Tugendhat, a Conservative MP and former Security Minister with a rich background in Arabic and Middle East affairs, shares insights on the Muslim Brotherhood. He discusses his experiences during the Arab Spring and the Brotherhood's infiltration in the UK. Tugendhat reveals institutional blind spots within British security and why the government struggles to address the group's influence. He also explores the complexities of dealing with the Brotherhood legally while emphasizing the need for financial transparency and protecting youth from radical influences.

The hosts celebrate the return with a bold new vision and a recap of their impactful journey. They address the rise of multipolarity, discussing China's innovative shift and its implications for global alliances. The conversation critiques media polarization and emphasizes the importance of nuanced perspectives. Aimen and Thomas reflect on their core mission to complicate conflicts and highlight the show's educational value. Exciting new formats are introduced, promising more engaging content for their global community of listeners.

Martin Plaut, a distinguished journalist and author, shares his expertise on Ethiopia’s Tigray War and its significance for the Horn of Africa. He reflects on his upbringing in apartheid South Africa and his journey into journalism amid political activism. The conversation delves into the complex history of African slavery, highlighting misconceptions and the extensive regional dynamics involved. Plaut explains the Eritrean influence on the Tigray conflict and the humanitarian catastrophes stemming from it, revealing the fragile nature of ceasefire agreements and the region's ongoing instability.

In this engaging conversation, T.V. Paul, a Distinguished Professor at McGill University and expert on international relations, discusses India's emerging role in a multipolar world. He introduces the concept of 'soft balancing' as a diplomatic alternative to military alliances. Paul explores the dual nature of American hegemony, the impact of globalization on the global middle class, and India's quest for recognition amid regional tensions. He also addresses the future of the liberal international order and the importance of coexistence in a changing global landscape.

In this insightful discussion, Hussam Mahjoub, a Sudanese journalist and founder of Sudan Bukra, shares his firsthand perspective on the escalating civil war in Sudan. He explores the rise of the RSF, the role of various foreign powers like Egypt and the UAE, and the historical context behind the conflict's deep-rooted issues. Hussam highlights how resource grievances transformed into identity conflicts, and he calls for confronting foreign influence to rebuild Sudanese civil society. His analysis reveals crucial insights into the ongoing humanitarian disaster.

Patrick McGee, a technology reporter and author of "Apple in China," shares insights on Apple's transformation from near-bankruptcy to a global superpower. He highlights Tim Cook's operational genius and the pivotal role of Foxconn's founder, Terry Gou, in enhancing China's manufacturing capabilities. The discussion touches on the chaotic demand in Chinese retail, Apple's strategic partnership with China valued at $275 billion, and the irony of a leading advocate for liberty deepening ties with an authoritarian regime. A must-listen for tech and geopolitics enthusiasts!

Hamza Howidy, a Palestinian activist in exile from Gaza, shares his powerful narrative of life under Hamas. He reflects on the rise of Hamas, the brutal reality of dissent, and his transformative protests in 2019 and 2023. Hamza discusses the internal political struggles in Gaza and his harrowing journey to Europe. He critiques the complicity of international aid and expresses a dual opposition to both Hamas and Israeli violence. As he envisions a post-Hamas Gaza, he grapples with pessimism about future changes in the political landscape.

Emma Ashford, a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center and author focusing on U.S. foreign policy, shares her insights on the shifting global landscape. She discusses the decline of America's unipolar moment, likening it to imperial overreach and asserting it stems from both psychological factors and policy decisions. Emma outlines four competing camps in U.S. foreign policy and argues for a realist approach to navigate the challenges of a multipolar world. She emphasizes the need for strategic retrenchment, especially in the Middle East, to refocus on competition in Asia.

Aimen Dean, a former intelligence and counterterrorism operative, returns to discuss the recent Gaza peace deal. He reveals the behind-the-scenes diplomacy involving Saudi Arabia and France, aimed at preventing Israel's West Bank annexation. Aimen analyzes Israel's military actions and the implications of a controversial airstrike in Doha. The conversation covers nuclear concerns with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, the future of Hamas, and the vital role of technocratic governance in Gaza's reconstruction. It's a deep dive into a ceasefire that may just be a temporary pause in ongoing tensions.

Tom Tugendhat, a former Minister of State for Security and Conservative MP, shares insights on UK counterterrorism and identity crises. He highlights the shift from organized terrorism to lone-actor violence, discussing its implications for society. Tugendhat defends the PREVENT strategy against accusations of Islamophobia, emphasizing its goal to protect all citizens. The conversation delves into addressing right-wing extremism and the need for a unifying national story to bridge divides in multicultural Britain.