The Inside Story Podcast

An inconclusive election in France, but with one certainty, the far-right won't lead the next government. A leftist bloc came out on top, ahead of President Macron's centrists with the far-right National Rally beaten into third place. So, what does the result mean?   In this episode: Rokhaya Diallo, Researcher, Georgetown University. Victor Mallet, Senior Editor, Financial Times.  Suzanne Lynch, Associate Editor, Politico. Host: Neave Barker  Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

They left ECOWAS saying it's influenced by foreign countries. Now, Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have set up their own bloc, calling it the Alliance of Sahel States. But what's behind their new agreement? And what impact will it have on the wider region? In this episode: Erwan De Cherisey, Specialist, sub-Saharan African armed forces.  Ahmedou Ould Abdallah, President, Sahel Sahara Security Strategy Center. Alkassoum Abdourahmane, Permanent Secretary, Sahel International Solidarity Forum. Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Iran's new president has promised to provide freedom at home and open up to the West. But with the Supreme Leader wielding the ultimate power, will Masoud Pezeshkian be able to fulfill his promises? And how will he deal with the many challenges faces his country? In this episode: Foad Izadi, Head of the American Studies Department, University of Tehran. Roxane Farmanfarmaian, Lecturer, Modern Middle East Politics, University of Cambridge.  Mehran Kamrava, Professor, Government, Georgetown University in Qatar. Host: Dareen Abughaida Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The Conservative Party has suffered its worst defeat in decades in the UK general election. Labour is taking power and promising change. So, is this a watershed moment in UK politics? And how will it shape the way the country is governed? In this episode: Fran Boait, Former Labour Party Candidate. Leon Emirali, Former aide to UK Cabinet Minister Steve Barclay. Henry Newman, Former Senior Adviser for Boris Johnson. Host: Neave Barker Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The US Democratic Party in disarray over Joe Biden’s future as its presidential nominee. After his debate performance, some want him out of the race, but the president is digging in his heels. So, will he stay or will he go? And who could replace Biden if he were to step aside? In this episode: A Scott Bolden, Chairperson of the U.S. National Bar Association's Political Action Committee. Kristin Wolfe, Chairperson of Democrats Abroad UK. Rania Batrice, Veteran Democratic Party strategist.  Host: Folly Bah Thibault  Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

A hurricane rips through the Caribbean causing devastation, but alarm too among climate scientists. It's the fiercest and earliest Atlantic storm - a direct result of global warming, experts say. Why is this storm causing so much concern globally? In this episode: Daniel Gilford, Meteorologist and Atmospheric Scientist.  Rhea Marie Pierre, Caribbean Delegation Spokesperson, International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Naderev 'Yeb' Sano, Southeast Asia Executive Director, Greenpeace.  Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

A historic US Supreme Court ruling on presidential immunity is welcomed by Donald Trump but condemned by President Joe Biden. The judgment strengthens presidential powers, too much so, say critics. What's the long-term impact of this ruling and its timing? In this episode: Lynne Rambo, Professor Emerita, Constitutional Law, Texas A&M University's School of Law.  Steve Herman, Chief National Correspondent, Voice of America.  Leslie Vinjamuri, Director, US and Americas Programme, Chatham House. Host: Mohammed Jamjoom  Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Palestinian detainees released from Israeli prisons say abuse and torture are widespread and systematic. Thousands, including children have been held since the war on Gaza began in October. So, how does Israel treat its Palestinian prisoners?  In this episode: Fadia Barghouti, Detained by the Israeli military for 90 days, under its so-called administrative detention programme.  Basil Farraj, Assistant Professor, Birzeit University.  Mustafa Barghouti, Founder, Palestinian National Initiative. Host: Mohammed Jamjoom  Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The UK is set to vote in a general election this week - called by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak whose conservative party has been in power for fourteen years. Polls suggest his rival, Labour leader Keir Starmer, could replace him. So, what are the issues - and how significant is this election?  In this episode: Will Hutton, President, UK's Academy of Social Sciences. Lesley Riddoch, Author, 'Blossom - What Scotland Needs to Flourish'.  Pablo O'Hana, Senior Political Adviser.  Host: Dareen Abughaida  Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

France is preparing to vote in a snap presidential poll. It was called after the far-right made big gains in European parliament elections. So, what will a potential victory by the far-right mean for France's future? And how will it shape politics in the rest of Europe? In this episode: Renaud Girard, Chief Foreign Correspondent, Le Figaro. Rainbow Murray, Professor, Politics, Queen Mary University of London.  Hugo Drochon, Associate Professor, Political Theory, University of Nottingham. Host: Hashem Ahelbarra   Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook