The US declares the South African ambassador 'persona non grata' -- citing his criticism of the Trump administration. South Africa expresses regret at the expulsion of its envoy, but is taking no action in return. Can relations be repaired? In this episode:  Melanie Verwoerd -- Political analyst and former South African ambassador to Ireland Mark Pfeifle -- President of PR firm Off the Record Strategies and former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategic Communications   Frank Gerits -- Assistant Professor in the History of International Relations department at Utrecht University Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The US Middle East envoy proposes a way to keep the ceasefire going in Gaza. But the original deal remains stuck in the first phase with no progress towards a permanent solution. So what is the actual state of play - and the risks of more war? In this episode:  Alon Pinkas, Former Ambassador and Consul General of Israel in the United States. Tahani Mustafa, Senior Palestine Analyst, International Crisis Group.  Mouin Rabbani - Non-resident Fellow, Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

A UN investigation concludes Israel carried out genocidal acts by destroying Gaza's main fertility clinic and maternity hospitals. Israel has rejected the report, which also alleges sexual violence. So, what are the implications? And will there be accountability? In this episode:  Sari Bashi, Program Director at Human Rights Watch Muhammad Dahleh, Lawyer specialising in human rights Arwa Damon, Founder of the International Network for Aid, Relief and Assistance Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits the front while Washington's diplomatic drive to end the Ukraine war intensifies. US officials are in Moscow after winning Ukrainian backing for a 30-day ceasefire. Is the war nearing an end - and what are the obstacles? In this episode:  Peter Zalmayev, Executive Director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative Leonid Ragozin, Independent journalist who specialises in Russia, Ukraine and Eastern Europe Anatol Lieven, Director of the Eurasia Programme at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Host: Cyril Vanier Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte is under arrest. He's facing charges of crimes against humanity for his war on drugs. The International Criminal Court says thousands were killed under his watch. So, how will this play out domestically? In this episode:  Kristina Conti - Secretary General of the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers Luis Moreno Ocampo - Former Chief Prosecutor at the International Criminal Court Richard Heydarian - Senior Lecturer in International Affairs at the University of the Philippines and author of 'The Rise of Duterte: A Populist Revolt against Elite Democracy' Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Sharp words for the U.S. from Canada’s incoming prime minister. Mark Carney has lashed out at Donald Trump, saying his country will never be part of the United States. As the standoff between the two nations intensifies, how will Carney deal with Trump? In this episode:  Jen Hassum -- Executive Director of the Broadbent Institute, a progressive think tank Amy Koch -- Republican strategist who served as majority leader of the Minnesota Senate John Kirton -- Professor Emeritus of Political Science at the University of Toronto Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Could South Sudan slip into another civil war? Fighting in the northeast, is endangering an already fragile power-sharing agreement. With a war ongoing in neighbouring Sudan, what would a new conflict in South Sudan mean for the region? In this episode:  Nicholas Haysom, UN Special Representative for South Sudan. Alan Boswell, International Crisis Group's Project Director for the Horn of Africa. Philip Aguer Panyang, former governor of South Sudan’s Jonglei State and former military spokesman. Rome Nyagoah Tut Pur, South Sudan researcher at  Human Rights Watch. Host: James Bays Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Hamid Reza Gholamzadeh, Director of the House of Diplomacy in Tehran, and Ali Vaez, Director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, offer sharp insights into the fraught landscape of U.S.-Iran relations. They dissect Iran's firm stance against negotiations under pressure and the implications of escalating uranium enrichment. The duo discusses America's shifting negotiation tactics and skepticism towards diplomatic engagement, while highlighting Iran's reluctance to trust past overtures, unraveling the complexities of a potential nuclear deal.

Civilians among hundreds killed in Syria while government forces battle fighters loyal to the deposed Assad regime. President Ahmed al-Sharaa promises accountability for anyone attacking civilians; the UN envoy expresses alarm. What's the risk of escalation? In this episode:  Marie Forestier, Senior Adviser, European Institute of Peace. Ammar Kahf, Executive Director, Omran Center for Strategic Studies. Hind Kabawat, Professor of Conflict Resolution, George Mason University. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Srdan Mazalica, Member of Parliament and president of the SNSD party in Republika Srpska, dives into the escalating political crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He discusses the ramifications of the Serb region banning state police after its leader’s conviction, raising alarms about governance and legal legitimacy. The conversation unfolds around the challenges posed by Milorad Dodik's defiance and the delicate balance of power established by the Dayton Agreement. Mazalica emphasizes the need for state-level dialogue to navigate these turbulent waters.