The Inside Story Podcast

Palamagamba Kabudi, Tanzania's Minister of Information, offers the government's stance on recent protests and election disputes, citing legal requirements for demonstrations. Dorothy Semu, leader of the opposition ACT Wazalendo, passionately argues for electoral accountability and a transparent inquiry into allegations of violence. Oryem Nyeko from Human Rights Watch highlights the need for restoring civic space and media freedom. Together, they dissect the political tension surrounding Tanzania's future and the ongoing struggle for democratic reforms.

Join experts Benjamin Horton, a professor specializing in climate impacts, Seher Raheja, a climate justice advocate, and Alexandre Borde, an environmental economist, as they tackle the aftermath of Southeast Asia’s devastating storm season. They discuss the extreme conditions that fueled these storms and the hidden toll on vulnerable communities. The trio also explores the limitations of insurance, the urgent need for adaptive finance, and innovative strategies like nature-based defenses to ensure resilience against future climate threats.

In this discussion, Haid Haid shares insights from Damascus on the mixed public mood, celebrating the regime's fall while grappling with economic struggles. Ammar Kahf examines the challenges of political and economic reintegration, highlighting infrastructure gaps. Heiko Wimmen delves into the nuances of international recognition and the risks of power monopolization by new leadership. They all agree that despite some successes, significant obstacles remain, including Israeli incursions and the need for political inclusivity.

In this insightful discussion, Brahma Chellaney, a strategic studies professor, emphasizes India's delicate balancing act between the U.S. and Russia amid rising tensions with China. Thomas Pickering, a veteran diplomat, analyzes U.S. views on Putin's visit, highlighting fears over shifting allegiances. Aleksei Zakharov provides a unique Russian perspective on increased economic ties with India, exploring the significance of energy deals. Together, they unravel the complexities of diplomacy, defense, and regional stability in this crucial geopolitical landscape.

Joi Chaney, a lawyer and Democratic strategist, discusses how Trump's incendiary language serves to energize his base. Eric Ham, a political analyst, provides historical context, linking Trump's rhetoric to a pattern of targeting marginalized communities. Samakab Hussein, a Somali-American representative, shares the local community's fears and unity efforts in Minnesota. They explore the potential global ramifications of such rhetoric, questioning its normalization and its effects on the U.S.'s international standing.

In this discussion, guests Andy Mok, a senior research fellow specializing in China-Europe relations, Rémi Bourgeot, an expert on French industrial policy, and Ben Aris, founder of an emerging markets media company, explore President Macron's recent visit to China. They dive into China's strategic priorities surrounding Taiwan and the economic implications of France's tech gaps and trade deficits. The panel debates the leverage China holds over Europe and whether Macron can incentivize Chinese investment while pressing for action on Russia.

Join Harshil Sharma, a labour economist specializing in reforms, Surbhi Kesar, a senior lecturer focused on labour markets, and Sudip Dutta, a trade union leader, as they dive into India's new labour laws. They discuss the historical context and the urgent need for reform. Sudip highlights unions' concerns over worker protections, while Surbhi examines the power shift towards employers. The group also addresses the impacts on women's safety and the precarious nature of unorganised work. Who truly stands to benefit from these sweeping changes?

Join Abdelkader Abderrahmane, an expert on Algerian history, Liliane Umubyeyi, co-founder of the African Futures Lab, and Nicolas Normand, former French ambassador, as they tackle the complex web of colonial accountability. They discuss the challenges of defining colonialism as a crime and the need for reparations. Abderrahmane emphasizes the lasting scars of colonialism in Algeria, while Umubyeyi ties colonial extraction to current crises in Africa. Normand debates the moral imperatives of acknowledgment against the challenges of financial reparations.

Dan Perry, a former AP editor, offers sharp political analysis. Mitchell Barak, a past aide to Netanyahu, shares insider insights on the political landscape. Neve Gordon, a human rights professor, critiques the implications for Palestinian rights. The discussion revolves around Netanyahu’s requested pardon, its divisive potential, and its impact on democratic institutions. They explore the long-term effects on Israeli society, electoral strategies, and the growing power of the religious right amid deepening societal divides.

Mark Pfeifle, a Republican strategist and former White House national security official, joins forces with Paul Dobson, an independent journalist from Venezuela, and Christopher Sabatini, a senior research fellow at Chatham House. They dive into Trump's potential intentions in Venezuela, suggesting a mix of regime change desires and economic motivations. The group debates the risks of military intervention, Venezuela's resource wealth, and the historical skepticism of U.S. actions from Venezuelans. They unravel the implications of Trump’s assertive foreign policy and its impact on both nations.