

Foreign Exchanges: the Podcast
Derek Davison
Foreign Exchanges is a newsletter that helps you stay on top of important stories happening around the world. Our companion podcast aims to understand the contemporary world by looking to the past. Join host Derek Davison as he interviews writers and scholars whose work sheds light on world history. www.foreignexchanges.news
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 17, 2025 • 22min
World roundup: December 16 2025
Delve into critical global stories, from record Arctic heat and the consequences of melting permafrost to escalating tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Explore the troubling situation in Myanmar, where the junta uses new tactics to regain control. Witness the aftermath of recent violence in Lebanon and Gaza, and uncover the chilling findings of mass killings in Sudan. With reports on U.S. military actions in Somalia and the implications of Venezuela's maritime struggles, this discussion offers a comprehensive snapshot of current international crises.

Dec 15, 2025 • 22min
World roundup: December 13-14 2025
Explore the latest in global affairs as Syria faces fresh tensions from an ISIS attack, leading to U.S. responses. Delve into Israel-Lebanon strikes amid a precarious ceasefire and Italy's potential role in Gaza stabilization. Discover Yemen's escalating southern turmoil and Myanmar's junta's alarming hospital bombings. Witness renewed clashes on the Thailand-Cambodia border, while Tunisia grapples with protests after a custody death. Plus, insights on changing political landscapes in Chile and implications of U.S.-Ukraine peace talks.

Dec 10, 2025 • 21min
World roundup: December 9 2025
This roundup delivers gripping insights from around the globe. Dive into the escalating border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, the concerning shelling at Damascus's Meza Airport, and reports of airstrikes in Lebanon. Discover Bolivia's renewed ties with Israel and the dire situation in Gaza amidst demands from Hamas. Other highlights include the unrest in the DRC and Nigeria, and Ukraine’s ongoing struggles against Russian advances. Plus, emergency measures in Lithuania due to balloon flights from Belarus add to the urgency.

Dec 8, 2025 • 24min
World roundup: December 6-7 2025
Explore global tensions from December, including escalating conflicts in Gaza and the complex Israel-Palestine ceasefire issues. Discover disturbing reports on Iran's arms deals with Russia impacting regional power dynamics. Uncover border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and airstrikes along the Thailand-Cambodia border jeopardizing peace. Delve into Tunisia's protests against authoritarian rule and allegations of abuses in Mali. The U.S.-led peace talks in Ukraine face challenges while Honduras grapples with election turmoil.

Dec 3, 2025 • 23min
World roundup: December 2 2025
Stories from Israel-Palestine, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mexico, and elsewhere This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.foreignexchanges.news/subscribe

Dec 1, 2025 • 25min
World roundup: November 29-30 2025
Derek Davison dives into global conflicts as he discusses Israel's military actions in Syria and Lebanon, raising concerns about civilian casualties. The stalled Turkey-PKK peace process stirs tensions while Iran's seizure of tankers in the Strait of Hormuz escalates regional anxieties. A coup reshapes Guinea-Bissau's politics amidst drug-related instability, and Kyrgyzstan's elections see Japparov tighten his grip. On the U.S. front, Trump makes controversial statements regarding Venezuela, immigration, and possible intervention in Honduras.

Nov 19, 2025 • 18min
World roundup: November 18 2025
Stories from Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Ukraine, and elsewhere This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.foreignexchanges.news/subscribe

Nov 12, 2025 • 17min
World roundup: November 11 2025
Stories from Yemen, Sudan, Colombia, and elsewhere This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.foreignexchanges.news/subscribe

Nov 10, 2025 • 21min
World roundup: November 8-9 2025
Stories from Iran, China, Nigeria, and elsewhere This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.foreignexchanges.news/subscribe

Nov 6, 2025 • 17min
Trump, Nigeria, and “Christian Genocide”
Donald Trump is threatening to invade Nigeria on dubious claims of a genocide against the country's Christian community. Here's why the Christian Right has woven this narrative. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.foreignexchanges.news/subscribe


