The Conversation Weekly

Jared Wesley, a University of Alberta political science professor specializing in Alberta politics, explores the province’s separatist surge. He traces its roots in Western alienation, resource politics and COVID-era protests. The conversation examines far-right factions, funding and foreign influence, Danielle Smith’s balancing act, and Donald Trump’s complicated impact on the movement. It also considers how Alberta could legally leave Canada.

Karl Deisseroth, a Stanford psychiatrist and neuroscientist, pioneered optogenetics and won the Nobel Prize for controlling neurons with light. He discusses why the brain remains so difficult to treat, how an algal gene transformed neuroscience, and what light-based experiments reveal about hunger, aggression, anxiety, memory and motivation. He also explores optogenetics’ potential for restoring sight and shaping new psychiatric treatments.

Dov Waxman, a UCLA professor and political scientist specializing in Israeli politics, examines Netanyahu’s toughest election fight yet. He profiles former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot, his military record, hawkish views and criticism of hostage policy. They discuss October 7 accountability, ultra-Orthodox military exemptions, coalition politics and whether Israel’s vote could further damage hopes for a two-state solution.

Nick Jennings, a pioneering AI researcher and president of Loughborough University, explores the rise of autonomous agents. They discuss rogue behavior, cooperation and competition between AI systems, calls to slow development, and the challenge of regulating a fast-moving technology. The conversation also examines artificial societies, human oversight, global testing, and external shutdown controls.

Hugh White, emeritus professor of strategic studies at the Australian National University, examines AUKUS, Australia’s controversial nuclear submarine pact. He explores its secretive origins, the abandoned French deal, election politics and deteriorating ties with China. The discussion also tackles spiralling costs, uncertain US and UK production, a looming submarine capability gap and the risks to Australia’s broader defence budget.

Olivera Simić, an international law professor and Bosnian Serb scholar, examines Ratko Mladić’s death and controversial funeral honors. She explores how a convicted war criminal is celebrated as a hero, the legacy of Srebrenica and Sarajevo, and how murals, politics, education, and family memory keep Bosnia’s wartime divisions alive.

Justin Hastings, a University of Sydney professor who studies maritime security and sanctions evasion, charts the secretive world of shadow fleets. He reveals how tankers like North Korea-linked New Konk vanish from tracking systems, fake identities and move oil covertly. The discussion spans Russia, Iran and Venezuela, AI detection, fraudulent insurance, environmental dangers and why stopping these ships is so difficult.

Lydia Hamessley, a Hamilton College music professor and Dolly Parton songwriting scholar, explores the sounds behind the Queen of Country’s rise. From Appalachian roots, family singing and gospel to Irish ballads, bluegrass and the craft of “Jolene,” she traces Parton’s musical world. The conversation also examines her larger-than-life image, storytelling, and songs that connect across political divides.

Matthew Sussex, an associate professor and Russia expert, explains Russian politics and the fallout from Ukrainian strikes. He discusses why Ukrainian forces are targeting major retailers and logistics hubs. He explores ties between oligarchs, the Kremlin and economic shock. He assesses public mood, military bloggers and how long Russia can sustain the war.

Michael Rose, an anthropologist and lecturer who has lived and worked in Timor-Leste, discusses how organised scamming networks targeted the country. He recounts a dramatic raid in Oecusse and links to wider regional crime rings. He explores political fallout, tensions around ASEAN membership timing, and why Timor-Leste’s fragility and civic resilience matter in this fight.