The Foreign Desk

Join John Everard, a former British ambassador to North Korea, Oriana Skylar Mastro, a Stanford political science professor, and James D Brown, a political science expert on Japan-Russia relations, as they delve into the ripple effects of the Ukraine war across Asia. They discuss North and South Korea's shifting alliances, China's strategic maneuvers, and Japan's changing role in security. The conversation highlights regional tensions and Japan’s constitutional debates around military forces, painting a vivid picture of a dynamically evolving geopolitical landscape.

The podcast explores the mixed reactions to King Charles III's visit to Australia, contrasting it with the enthusiastic welcome afforded to Queen Elizabeth II in 1954. Nostalgia shines through as listeners reflect on a time when royal visits ignited nationwide participation. The discussion delves into contemporary indifference towards the monarchy, highlighting changing societal attitudes, especially among Indigenous Australians. This sets the stage for a broader conversation about Australia's constitutional future and its ties to the monarchy.

Natasa Pirc Musar, the President of Slovenia, emphasizes the pressing need for global AI regulation to manage its societal impacts. Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl from Digital Europe discusses Europe’s imperative to innovate while addressing security issues. Ramsay Brown, CEO of Mission Control AI, dives into the dual aspects of AI in warfare and the challenges of aligning AI behavior with user intentions. Together, they explore the fine line between AI as a powerful tool and a potential threat, advocating for proactive governance to navigate these rapid advancements.

The podcast delves into the challenges faced by UNIFIL in maintaining peace in Lebanon. It highlights the impact of ongoing violence and armed groups on peacekeeping efforts. A critical analysis reveals how the mission has struggled since its inception nearly 50 years ago. The discussion calls for a reevaluation of UNIFIL's role in the region, questioning why it has failed to mitigate tensions between Israel and Lebanon, especially in light of recent incidents involving Israeli troops and Hezbollah.

Jonn Elledgem, columnist and author, sheds light on the arbitrary nature of borders in his latest book. Ivan Vad-Petersen discusses Norway's evolving security concerns along its border with Russia, particularly after NATO expansions. Jennifer Ballantyne-Pereira explores the fraught history between Spain and Gibraltar, emphasizing how Brexit has altered relationships. Meanwhile, Rob Hubert tackles the complexities of maritime boundaries in Arctic waters, discussing how these disputes could be further complicated by climate change.

The complex web of energy politics amidst the Ukraine-Russia conflict is unravelled, revealing how a surreal gas deal fuels both sides. The podcast dives into Ukraine's role as a transit hub and the implications for European energy security. It also touches on geopolitical tensions, including allegations of pipeline sabotage and shifting energy agreements, illustrating how wartime dynamics influence the energy landscape.

Mairav Zonszein, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, provides critical insights on Israeli politics. Mina Al-Oraibi, editor-in-chief of The National, shares her perspectives on the Middle East's response to the October 7th events. Former ambassadors Ilan Baruch and Alon Liel discuss the urgent need for a two-state solution and analyze Israel's challenges and strategies post-attacks. The conversation covers the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and highlights the complex geopolitical landscape affecting peace efforts.

In this engaging discussion, expert Andrew Mueller delves into the controversial rise of Austria's Freedom Party (FPÖ), historically linked to Nazi ideology. He articulates how the party's recent electoral success reflects broader trends in European far-right movements. Mueller highlights Austria's complex political landscape and the implications of FPÖ's ascent for European democracy. With a gripping analysis of the past, he sheds light on the challenges faced by modern governance and the lessons that history can teach us.

In a gripping discussion, analysts David Wood from the International Crisis Group, Lina Khatib and Yossi Mekelberg from Chatham House, and Hezbollah expert Aurélie Daher delve into the implications of Hassan Nasrallah's assassination. They explore Hezbollah's potential leadership crisis and the mixed feelings within Lebanese society. The conversation also touches on Israel's strategic shifts and how Iran's weakened influence might reshape regional dynamics, indicating a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict.

Anura Kumara Dissanayake, a rising political leader in Sri Lanka, discusses the dramatic shift from traditional political dynasties to new leadership amid the country's evolving landscape. He delves into the motivations behind the public's call for change, particularly in light of the economic turmoil. Dissanayake articulates the monumental challenges ahead, including tackling corruption while trying to expand welfare. He also explores the political risks of a snap election and how these hurdles could shape future reforms in Sri Lanka.