The Morning Edition

The dramatic shakeout from the general election continued this week, this time from the left wing of Australian politics, with WA Greens senator Dorinda Cox defecting to Labor. It was a coup for a triumphant Prime Minister. But will the PM live to regret his new recruit? What does Senator Cox’s defection mean for the much-depleted Greens party? And how does it fit with the PM’s recent approval of the extension of a giant fossil fuel project off the West Australian coast? Chief Political Correspondent Paul Sakkal, and Chief Political Commentator James Massola join host Jacqueline Maley.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of us have, for so long, lived under the shadow of American exports, that we’d be hard-pressed to choose which was the most intrusive. Hollywood rom-coms? Halloween? J.Lo? That list might have been relevant a couple of weeks ago. But now America’s biggest export is Donald Trump’s MAGA mindset, according to international and political editor, Peter Hartcher.  Today, he joins 'The Morning Edition' to discuss Trump’s hidden announcement, last week about a new level of American interference, globally, not seen since the end of the Cold War. And how it will impact how America changes other countries for years to come.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When news broke, over the weekend, that Ukraine launched a devastating and unprecedented attack on Russian air force bases, it shocked analysts around the world.  The damage was huge. And it made a mockery of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s expectation, more than three years ago, that he would capture the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, within days.   Today, Associate Professor Matthew Sussex, a fellow at the Australia National University’s Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, on what impact this attack will have on Russia’s ability to win this war. And what both countries gained, in Monday’s peace talks.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since October 7, incidents of antisemitism have surged across the globe, with people attacked and synagogues and homes vandalised. It’s with this backdrop that the latest attack has occurred, this time at a pro-Israel event in the United States. Today, world editor Catherine Naylor on the attack in Boulder, Colorado that turned a weekly vigil into what one witness said looked like a “war zone”.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How are we to make sense of the swirling chaos around us? The multiple wars, accusations of wrongdoing, and human carnage? And how can we possibly have civilised conversations about it all? British barrister and author Philippe Sands, is uniquely placed to guide us through this moment. It’s not just that he’s an expert on crimes against humanity, who has won cases against former Chilean dictator, Augusto Pinochet. But he understands the personal toil of it all; he’s written about the Nazi SS officer who might have been responsible for the death of one of his family members.   Today, Philippe Sands, who recently visited Australia for the Sydney Writers Festival, on helping to defend Palestine at the International Court of Justice. And the breakups he’s experienced with friends, over their comments about Israel.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Well, they fight, they break up, they kiss, they make up.  Never before have the lyrics of a Katy Perry song been more relevant to federal politics. After last week’s shock split, this week the Coalition got back together again. But at what cost? What compromises have been made on both sides? And will the Nats and the Libs be able to work constructively together after all the drama?  Meanwhile, Labor is moving ahead with plans to hike taxes on super accounts of more than $3 million, and Anthony Albanese hardens his rhetoric on Israel and its killing of civilians in Gaza.  Here to discuss all this with host Jacqueline Maley is new chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal, and foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Hartcher, an esteemed international and political editor, dives deep into the growing U.S. national debt, now at a staggering $36.2 trillion. He discusses the implications of this decline, including the potential loss of the dollar's dominance as the global reserve currency. Hartcher also analyzes controversial proposed entitlement cuts and their impact on wealth distribution. He highlights Niall Ferguson's theory on political decline and examines America's waning influence amidst rising powers like China and Russia, questioning what this means for global stability.

Jackson Graham, an Explainer reporter, dives into the rising food allergy crisis in Australia, dubbed the 'Allergy Capital of the World.' He explores alarming trends in allergy rates among children, highlighting intriguing theories like the hygiene hypothesis. The discussion shifts to a groundbreaking approach of introducing allergenic foods at an earlier age, aiming to strengthen immune systems. Graham also addresses the complex challenges of food allergies, including limited treatment options and the promising role of oral immunotherapy.

Perry Duffin, a crime reporter for The Age with a focus on Sydney's criminal underworld, discusses the alarming resurgence of gang-related shootings. He reveals the brutal reality of innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire, illustrating the chilling detachment of criminals. Duffin dives into the impacts of notorious crime families, like the Alamuddins, and the unpredictability of gang violence. The conversation sheds light on the evolving nature of organized crime and raises profound concerns about public safety in Sydney.

Colm Tóibín, the acclaimed author of 'Brooklyn' and 'Long Island', delves deep into the themes of belonging and identity. He discusses the emotional turmoil of migrants trying to adapt to new cultures and how this can lead to irrational group dynamics. Tóibín also reflects on personal experiences as a gay man and the complexities of faith within the Catholic Church. He emphasizes the importance of empathy amidst rising nationalism, showcasing the delicate balance between feeling at home and facing isolation in a new land.