The Foreign Desk

Latika Burke, an editor at The Nightly in Australia, discusses the unexpected electoral challenges faced by conservative leaders in Australia, influenced by Trump’s rhetoric. Ben Stanley, a political scientist, examines the effects of Trumpism on Polish and Romanian elections, highlighting the rise of candidates with similar ideologies. Michael Blanchfield, a Canada policy reporter, reflects on how Trump’s influence shaped Canadian politics and public sentiment, connecting the dots between shifting dynamics in Australia, Canada, and Eastern Europe.

Dive into the world of papal conclaves, where secrecy and tradition reign. Discover the meticulous process as cardinals gather to elect a new pope, complete with historical insights and voting rules. Unpack the unpredictability of papal elections and the potential implications of an American pope in contemporary politics. From whispers behind closed doors to the ritualistic steps of selection, this exploration reveals the fascinating dynamics of one of the most sacred assemblies in the Catholic Church.

Jamie Floyd, an attorney and former White House fellow, joins Tom Nichols, a staff writer at The Atlantic, to dissect the tumultuous first 100 days of Trump's presidency. They analyze the chaos surrounding tariffs and trade, the impact of budget cuts on STEM, and the shaky ground of immigration policies. The discussion dives into the emotional toll on academia and critiques the transactional nature of U.S. foreign policy. Both guests emphasize the need for alliances grounded in shared values rather than mere transactions.

The fraught history of India and Pakistan’s seemingly perpetual fight over Kashmir. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the change of the past 12 months, we ask experts: what does Turkey want in the Eastern Mediterranean? Is Cyprus actually solvable? And do we understand how the Middle East is being reshaped?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ecuador is on high alert due to government claims of imminent terrorist attacks and assassination attempts. Yet, little evidence supports these assertions. The discussion dives into how authoritarian regimes manipulate perceived threats for control, highlighting the violent tactics used to handle crime. The fallout from the recent presidential election adds another layer, with voter concerns and unfounded fraud claims complicating the political landscape. It's a deep dive into fear, control, and the realities of Ecuador's political turmoil.

In fewer than 100 days in power, Donald Trump has upended his country’s historic alliance with Europe, told the continent that it can no longer rely on security guarantees from the US and launched a trade war that threatens the global economy. Reporting from the Delphi Economic Forum, we spoke with attendees with experience at the Pentagon, Nato, the US Army and more about whether the sun is setting on the transatlantic relationship.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dive into the intriguing story of a British MP facing corruption charges linked to political unrest in Bangladesh. Explore whether the allegations stem from genuine concerns or are part of a politically motivated smear. The discussion reveals connections to high-profile political figures and sheds light on broader issues of legal accountability for UK politicians. Discover the complexities of international politics and how they intertwine in this unusual case.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece, shares insights on navigating EU and NATO challenges during Trump’s trade war. He discusses Greece's delicate balance between defense commitments and trade relations with the U.S. Paolo Gentiloni, former Prime Minister of Italy, emphasizes the need for Europe to strengthen unity against rising trade tensions. Meghan Hays highlights the Democratic Party's struggle to adapt under Trump's influence, stressing the importance of pragmatic governance to connect with voters and reshape opposition strategies.

In a deep dive into the geopolitical landscape of the Sahel, listeners learn about a seemingly minor diplomatic spat that has escalated into significant tensions between Mali and Algeria. The discussion reveals the backdrop of a downed Malian drone and its implications for regional alliances. Historical grievances and the complexities of international relations come to light, highlighting how decisions made in the Sahel can ripple out and affect wider geopolitical dynamics.