We know that many of Donald Trump’s preferred picks for his presidential cabinet sound like the set up for a joke. This is what happens when you nominate a vaccine skeptic to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, and a wrestling impresario to become education secretary. But which of Trump's picks should we actually be worried about? And why? Today, Nick Bryant, a former BBC foreign correspondent and author of The Forever War: America’s Unending Conflict with Itself, on who is poised to cause the most damage. And how far it could spread.  Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last night, in a shock televised announcement, South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law.  It sent some South Koreans running to their homes, to be with their families. Unsure of what this move would mean. While many others fled to the National Assembly, in protest, even as police and the military surrounded the country’s parliament. In a bonus episode today, North Asia correspondent Lisa Visentin, on how this bizarre situation unfolded and why such an extreme measure was deployed by the president. Audio thanks to: South Korea crisis - President lifts martial law in humiliating U-turn. BBC News. South Korea President Yoon says he will lift martial law. BBC News. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and Greens environment spokesperson Sarah Hanson-Young had allegedly agreed on a massive reform that would establish a federal environmental protection agency. Which they thought would pass through the senate. But then, in an 11th hour meeting, the deal was scotched, according to multiple sources, by prime minister Anthony Albanese.Today, climate and energy correspondent, Mike Foley - who broke this story - on whether Albanese’s captain’s call was personal; a knock to his long-time political rival. And whether it counts as a betrayal of Labor’s election promise.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the last eight years in Syria, a civil war, borne out of the Arab Spring protests, had come to something of a standstill. The frontlines were largely frozen, with Syrian president Bashar al-Assad having control of the major cities, while militant groups wrestled for primacy in the regions. That is, until the attack on the weekend, from a rebel force with origins in Al Qaeda. So what happens now? The last time Assad had his territory and military rule threatened in such a fulsome way, Russia came to his rescue, in a brutal campaign that involved the use of chemical weapons on Syrians. Today, digital foreign editor Chris Zappone on the story behind the rebel group that took the city, why they want to topple Assad, and what role his allies might play again. Audio credit: What happened after the Arab Spring?, Al Jazeera.  Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nick McKenzie, an investigative journalist known for exposing corruption within the CFMEU, delves into the chilling realities of organized crime infiltrating the union. He reveals an unsettling alliance between the union and gangland figures, creating a toxic culture across building sites. The discussion touches on the threats faced by union administrator Mark Irving amid political backlash and allegations of complicity among public officials. McKenzie also compares Australia’s woes with global union corruption, laying bare the urgent need for accountability.

This week was the last sitting week of the parliamentary year, and there is speculation the Prime Minister will call an election early in 2025, meaning it might have been the last parliamentary session of the Albanese government, full stop. So what legislation did the government get through this week? And more broadly, how well positioned is it, going into an imminent election campaign? Joining Jacqueline Maley to discuss is chief political correspondent David Crowe. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political scandals in the Philippines have long resembled overcooked soap opera storylines. This is the place, after all, where the wardrobe of the former first lady, Imelda Marcos, was discovered, on the day she fled the country, to contain nearly 900 handbags, and around 3,000 pairs of shoes. While half her country lived in poverty. Still, when the current Vice President of the Philippines announced, over the weekend, that she had engaged a hit man to kill her country’s President, it caused many to take pause. Some have argued it's a tactic, to distract the public from fighting for democratic reform. Today, international and political editor, Peter Hartcher, on why this assassination plot is no mere distraction. And what problems it could create for Australia.  Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this discussion, James Massola, National Affairs Editor, provides a gripping analysis of Australia's current political turmoil. He explores the surprising shift of the Greens from opposition to supporting housing bills, shaking up the political scene. Massola dives into the struggles of Peter Dutton’s leadership and vague policies, alongside public discontent over rising costs. He also highlights the precarious position of Albanese's government, facing the possibility of being the first to serve only one term in nearly a century. A must-listen for political enthusiasts!

In this discussion, Michael Bachelard, a senior writer and former Indonesian correspondent, delves into the complex saga of the Bali Nine. He outlines the shocking revelations about the potential return of five members to Australia. The conversation highlights the shifting political landscape in Indonesia, particularly the new president's more lenient stance on drug offenses. Bachelard also touches on the emotional toll on the families and explores the personal transformations and remorse of the Bali Nine during their long imprisonment.

On the day Donald Trump won the American presidential election, a number of women contemplated a radical response. They just might swear off men. They might not date them, have sex with them, get married to them, or have their babies.Maybe that would teach the men of the United States who have, like their president-elect and vice-president elect, made a habit of denigrating women. And put their leaders on notice; that they will not be stripped of their reproductive rights without a fight.Today, senior columnist Jacqueline Maley, on the social trend that started in South Korea, and has now spread to the United States. And whether it just might come here next.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.